Author(s)

Y. Qasrawi, P. J. Heffernan & A. Fam

Abstract

Blast load parameters are reasonably easily determined for rectangular columns and can be derived from either the literature or numerous utility programs. Little compiled information is available with respect to exposed round columns. A series of numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the design pressure imparted to a round column by an explosion. The column diameter and charge weight were varied and pressure-time histories recorded at regular radial intervals along the face of the column from the closest point of first contact (front) to the extreme point at the side. A numerical model was created in AUTODYN, which simulated a blast wave diffracting around a rigid round cross section. The results indicate that as the diameter of the section increases, the peak reflected pressure at the point of first contact rapidly approaches that of a flat wall. However, the pressure varies sinusoidally between this peak at the point of first contact to a minimum equal to approximately the incident pressure at the furthest point at the side. The results support the obvious advantages when designing against blast to be realized by the use of round vs. rectangular columns, particularly when in the near field. Keywords: AUTODYN, numerical modelling, round column, reflected pressure, pressure distribution. 1 Introduction Fujikura et al. [1] have shown experimentally that the reflected over pressure experienced by a round column is substantially lower than the indicated design values. This fact and the intuitive expectation that round columns would deflect

Keywords

AUTODYN, numerical modelling, round column, reflected pressure, pressure distribution