Author(s)

S. Kevorkian, N. Duriez & O. Loiseau

Abstract

The definition of blast loads applying on a complex geometry structure is still nowadays a hard task when numerical simulation is used, essentially because of the different scales involved. As a matter of fact, modelling the detonation of a charge and its resulting load on a structure requires one to model the charge itself, the structure and the surrounding air, which rapidly leads to large size models on which parametrical studies may become unaffordable. Thus, on the basis of Crank-Hopkinson’s law, an experimental set-up has been developed to support reduced scale structures as well as reduced scale detonating solid charges. As a final objective, the set-up must be used to produce the entry data for numerical assessments of the structural resistance. The set-up is composed of two mock-ups equipped with sensors and has been designed to conduct non destructive studies. In the context of security, the general aim is to study the effects of detonation shock waves inside the test installation and to test the influence of various openings. This set-up offers the possibility of measuring the loading in terms of pressure-time curves. The present paper summarizes the campaign of experiments performed in the year 2009 and gives the main features of the mock-up, the instrumentation and the pyrotechnics. During the campaign, internal blast tests have been conducted. Profiles of pressure versus time history are presented, taking into account relative positions of the explosive charge versus the gauges. The results obtained allow one to check that Crank-Hopkinson’s law is verified and shows the gas pressure influence. Keywords: blast waves, detonation, pressure measurements, reflections, gas pressure, safety.

Keywords

blast waves, detonation, pressure measurements, reflections, gas pressure, safety