High energy absorbing materials for blast resistant design

High blast absorbing materials have been consistently sought by the US Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, especially after 9.11. These materials can be used to effectively absorb blast wave energies and impact impulses and protect human lives and properties under extreme blasting events. The chapter reviews the current research status, outlines design philosophy for blast resistant design, and points to several case studies for using advanced materials and technology for blast mitigation, such as metal and foam sandwich panels, magneto-rheological fluids, and porous shape memory alloy.