Strong-axis response of steel I-sections subjected to close-in detonations

Abstract

The analysis of structural members subjected to close-in detonations involves a complicated dynamic scenario. Since the charge is very close to the structural member, the reflected pressure distribution on the member surface is highly non-uniform. In addition, the level of damage to the structural member may be high because of the large magnitude of the load. Due to these phenomena, the response of a structural member to close-in detonation cannot be accurately modelled by relatively simple methods like single-degree of freedom models, and more complicated models are required. Such models need to include numerical simulation of the detonation process, which produces a non-uniform pressure environment, allowing the pressure to reflect and flow around the member section. The local damage and flow around the section are especially of interest in I-shaped, or wide-flange-section members. Herein, the response of such sections is modelled by numerical simulations using a novel technique, which overcomes the difficulty of computation time, and is validated through various calculations. The model is used to perform a parametric study to investigate the response of I-sections subjected to close-in detonations, in terms of local damage and global behaviour, with scaled distances of 0.15–0.29 m/kg1/3 and loading causing flexure about the strong axis. Various aspects that affect the performance are studied, such as: the effect of scaled distance, the addition of welded stiffening plates between the flanges and web, the effect of boundary conditions and the effect of charge shape. Resulting local damage and residual deformations are assessed for the cases studied.