PANEL CONSTRUCTIONS

摘要

The application describes a panel structure for absorbing a shock wave or other impact, comprising a front plate (10), a rear planar member (12), and a honeycomb array between the front plate (10) and rear planar member (12), a substantial number of the honeycomb cells (14) being sealed at either end. The honeycomb members (14) are preferably tubular, and are more preferably adhesively bonded in place to the front and back plates (10, 12). Equally preferably, they can be bonded to each other with a suitable adhesive. In a preferred form of the invention, each or at least a substantial number of the honeycomb cells (14) contain an intermediate seal dividing the sealed honeycomb cell (14) into a first cell portion proximate the front plate (10) and a second cell (14) portion proximate the black plate (12). More preferably, each or at least a substantial number of the honeycomb cells (14) are formed from two sealed tubular (or other prismatic) members fixed end to end, thus forming the single cell with an intermediate seal. Each tubular member is preferably sealed prior to connection. The ends of tubular members can be shaped so as to provide an interlocking structure. The rear planar member (12) can be an external face of a large flat object, such as a wall. Where the panel is freestanding, or may be moved between installations, it is preferred if the rear planar member (12) is a back plate behind the honeycomb array. The front plate (10) and/or the back plate (12) (where provided), and more preferably both, can be made from steel such as a mild steel. It is preferred if the front plate (10), i.e. that facing the likely site of the explosion, is of a heavier gauge than the rear plate. The honeycomb members (14) are suitably also of steel such as mild steel. The honeycomb members (14) can be formed in a hexagonal close packed array, since this is usually the easier to construct. However, it may be preferable for there to be a gap between adjacent honeycomb cells (14). The gap is preferably less than the diameter of the honeycomb cells (14).