Blast Load Simulator Experiments for Computational Model Validation. Report 5
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) needs the capability to accurately predict airblast environments produced by explosive detonations and their interaction with geometrically complex objects that create complex flow fields, such as buildings, bridges, dams, etc. First-principles computer codes are typically used to generate high-fidelity simulations of these explosive events and their effects. These codes are continuously improving, yet still require validation against experimental data to establish confidence in the results produced by simulations. This report describes two sets of replicate experiments in which two steel box-type structures were installed in a Blast Load Simulator (BLS) with varying spacing between them and subjected to a simulated blast loading to provide pressure-time data at multiple locations on the surfaces of the structures. The BLS is a highly tunable, compressed-gas-driven, closed-end shock tube designed to simulate blast waveforms for explosive yields up to 20,000 lb of TNT equivalent at a peak reflected pressure up to 80 psi and a peak reflected impulse up to 1,100 psi-msec. Pressure and impulse waveforms are presented, and comparisons are made among the replicated experiments to evaluate repeatability. The uncertainty in the experimental pressures and impulses was evaluated by computing 95% confidence intervals on the results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1057051
Entities
People
- Andrew T. Barnes
- Carol F. Johnson
- James L. O'daniel
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center