Computational investigation of the effect of up-armouring on the reduction in occupant injury or fatality in a prototypical high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle subjected to mine blast

A comprehensive finite-element-based computational investigation of the ability of different measures (e.g. up-armouring, seat cushion, or seat belt restraint system) to protect the occupant(s) of a prototypical high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle in the event of an anti-vehicle mine detonation under the vehicle's front right wheel is carried out. While assessing the effectiveness of these protective measures, different injury criteria had to be defined and/or employed, their values calculated (during the initial response stage of the blast event), and compared with the limiting values corresponding to the critical levels of injury. The efficacies are compared both when these measures are implemented in isolation and in the presence of other protective measures with respect to specific injuries.