Within IRDL, Aymerick Reinders has developed a sizing tool to mitigate air shock waves.
Aymerick Reinders, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences pour l'ingénieur et le numérique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The development of a sizing tool for a liquid foam biphasic barrier for the mitigation of air shock waves represents a significant advance in the field of fluid mechanics. Indeed, explosions, whether accidental or intentional, generate blast waves that can cause considerable damage to infrastructure and people. These shock waves, often unpredictable, can lead to disastrous consequences, ranging from the destruction of buildings to serious injuries, even loss of life. The research conducted by Aymerick Reinders aims to establish a robust experimental database to better understand and control the parameters influencing the response of the foam. This is all the more crucial in a context where prediction and sizing tools are still underdeveloped, often leaving engineers uncertain in critical situations.
The proposed tool allows for the simultaneous control of variables such as bubble size, liquid fraction, and the shape of the incident wave. This methodological approach, which includes a systematic experimental campaign, offers a better understanding of the interactions between waves and foam. For example, by adjusting the bubble size, it is possible to modulate the energy absorption capacity of shock waves, which could translate into increased effectiveness of biphasic barriers. Preliminary results show that precise control of parameters can significantly improve the effectiveness of biphasic barriers. This paves the way for practical applications in various industrial sectors, including aerospace and construction, where safety is paramount.
However, challenges remain. The need to explore more varied bubble sizes and to expand the range of Mach numbers is essential to complete the experimental database. Indeed, different impact conditions and pressure variations can influence the performance of the foam. Furthermore, the visualization of wave-foam interaction phenomena needs to be deepened to better understand the mechanisms at play. These strategic recommendations highlight the importance of ongoing research and technological development to maximize the impact of this innovation. Moreover, collaboration with other disciplines, such as materials physics or mechanical engineering, could enrich the perspectives of this research.
The economic implications of this research are considerable. By improving protection against shock waves, it is possible to reduce costs related to material damage and loss of life. For example, in the construction sector, better protection could decrease expenses related to infrastructure repair after a traumatic event. This could also stimulate innovation in the absorbent materials sector, thus offering promising prospects for sustainable and effective solutions. In summary, this thesis is not limited to a scientific advance but also proposes concrete applications that could transform the way we approach infrastructure safety in the face of shock wave threats.
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the impact of this research in a broader context, particularly in West Africa, where infrastructures are often vulnerable to natural disasters and conflicts. The solutions developed could not only improve the safety of buildings but also strengthen community resilience against threats. For example, integrating these biphasic barriers into public constructions could protect schools and hospitals, thereby ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable populations.
Finally, it is essential to raise awareness among decision-makers and private sector actors about the importance of this research. By investing in innovative technologies like this one, we can not only improve safety but also promote sustainable development and innovation in the materials field. This could also pave the way for international partnerships, allowing developing countries to benefit from technological advances while strengthening their capacity to face contemporary challenges. In conclusion, the development of a sizing tool for a liquid foam biphasic barrier is a promising initiative that deserves support and further exploration.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Aymerick Reinders. Développement d’un outil de dimensionnement d’une barrière diphasique en mousse liquide pour l’atténuation des ondes de choc aériennes. Mécanique des fluides [physics.class-ph]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025ESTA0005⟩. ⟨tel-05603369⟩