FISH SCALE-CELLULAR COMPOSITE SYSTEM AGAINST IMPACT

Abstract

Fish scale structure has been known for its good penetration resistance under localized loading while cellular material is lightweight and has excellent energy absorption capacity under compression. Hence, combining fish scale structure with cellular material can lead to a novel composite structure with improved performance against low-velocity impact. Nevertheless, past studies on fish scale structures and cellular materials have been focused on their mechanical behaviors in isolation despite the potential of improved impact performance by combining them to create a hybrid structure. Therefore, in this study, the mechanical behaviour and feasibility of a fish scale-cellular composite system for protection against low-velocity impact are investigated primarily using two-dimensional plane strain finite element simulations, supported by experimental validations for a number of critical aspects. This composite system comprises of an assembly of overlapping plates (which represent scales) that is underlain by a cellular material layer and used to protect a surface or object from impact. Optimization of this composite system is explored and a design process is proposed.