An armor system includes an appliqué comprising a high fluid retaining material (HFRM) and a plate configured to hold the appliqué against a compartment, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast wave upon the plate, the HFRM is vented away from the compartment. The armor system may be adapted to a vehicle. In another embodiment, an armor system includes a plate operably connected to a plunger, one or more rods of brittle material operably contained within a tube, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast shock wave upon the plate, the plate transfers the blast shock wave to the plunger and then to the contents of the tube. Optionally, the tube also contains HFRM.