Barrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a passive barrier ( 10 ) for mitigating blast waves an decelerating incident material to reduce the risk of sympathetic explosions a reduced stand-off distances. The barrier is configured to redirect the force of an incident blast wave and reduce the momentum of any incident material wherein the barrier is constructed of a shock absorbing foam material.

1 . A passive barrier for mitigating blast waves and decelerating incident material to reduce the risk of sympathetic explosions at reduced stand-off distances, which is configured to redirect the force of an incident blast wave and reduce the momentum of any incident material wherein the barrier is constructed of a shock absorbing foam material. 
   
   
       2 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier is made of a shock absorbing polyurethane foam material. 
   
   
       3 . A barrier according to  claim 2  wherein the barrier is made of a rigid polyurethane foam. 
   
   
       4 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier is of a substantially diamond cross section. 
   
   
       5 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the crush strength of the barrier is from 5 to 17.5 MPa. 
   
   
       6 . A barrier according to  claim 5  wherein the preferred foam crush strength to mitigate against explosion of a 1000 lb (454.55 kg) bomb at a stand-off of under 1 metre is 17.5 MPa. 
   
   
       7 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier has a casing. 
   
   
       8 . A barrier according to  claim 7  wherein the casing extends around at least a portion of the barrier. 
   
   
       9 . A barrier according to  claim 7  wherein the casing follows the shape of the barrier. 
   
   
       10 . A barrier according to  claim 7  wherein the casing is cuboid. 
   
   
       11 . A barrier according to  claim 7  wherein the casing is made of polyethylene. 
   
   
       12 . A barrier according to  claim 7  wherein the casing further comprises stiffening means. 
   
   
       13 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier is suspended from the central pylon of an aeroplane. 
   
   
       14 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier is mounted or supported in a frame or holder. 
   
   
       15 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier is retained in position by means of a foot, a holder or by suspension. 
   
   
       16 . A barrier according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier further comprises wheels to aid positioning. 
   
   
       17 . A method of using a barrier according to  claim 1  comprising positioning the barrier between an explosive device and an item to be protected.