4 Structural response to blast loading

Notation
d depth of beam
E Young's modulus of elasticity
F peak blast load of idealized triangular pulse
F(t) blast load from idealized triangular pulse specific reflected impulse
specific side-on impulse

Introduction
In assessing the behaviour of a blast-loaded structure it is often the
case that the calculation of final states is the principal requirement for a
designer rather than a detailed knowledge of its displacement-time history.
To establish the principles of this analysis, the response of a single degree
of freedom (SDOF) elastic structure is considered and the link between the
duration of the blast load and the natural period of vibration of the
structure established. This leads to the concept of 'impulsive' and 'quasi-
static' response regimes and the representation of such response on
pressure-impulse diagrams. Pressure-impulse diagrams both for building
structures and other targets such as personnel are described. The principles
of analysis for an SDOF system are extended to specific structural elements
which can then be converted back to equivalent lumped mass structures by
means of load and mass factors. Total structural resistance can thus be
represented by the sum of an inertial term (based on the mass of the
structure) and the so-called 'resistance function' (based on the structure's
geometrical and material properties) which act in opposition to the applied
blast load.

Elastic SDOF structure.

Consider a structure which has been idealized as a SDOF elastic

structure and which is to be subjected to a blast load idealized as a
triangular pulse delivering a peak force F. The positive phase duration of
the blast load is ta. The situation is illustrated in Fig. 4.1.
The load pulse is described by the equation

Fig. 4.1. Single degree of freedom (SDOF) elastic structure subject to

idealized blast pulse

This blast load will deliver an impulse I to the target structure given by the