Author(s)

L. G. Clough & S. K. Clubley

Abstract

Little is known of the effects of combined blast and thermal loading on structures within an explosive fireball. This paper documents and discusses the response of 2mm thick steel plate within a fireball of a 41kg TNT equivalent explosive. This continues the study of work investigating the synergistic response of structures to blast and thermal loads. Results from a coupled thermal and structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the plates are compared with the response recorded by strain gauges and final deflected shapes. Conclusions regarding any potential synergistic response from the plates are made along with the suitability of the numerical model to be used for further coupled studies on full structural elements. Keywords: blast, thermal, synergistic, structural response, steel.

Keywords

blast, thermal, synergistic, structural response, steel.