A Review of Strucural Part Modelling for Blast Simulations

In this study, the effects of various element formulations and mesh sizes are investigated for buried charge simulations using the non-linear finite element code LS-DYNA®. Simulations are performed according to the real test conditions and the results are compared with the plate level mine blast experiments. Tests are carried out using a test setup which is designed and manufactured by FNSS. The blast simulations are examined using ALE method. Simulation model consists by ALE domain which includes soil, air and the explosive definitions and Lagrange domain for the bottom and side plates of the vehicle. The evaluated test plate is made of RHA steel with 20 mm thickness. Simplified Johnson Cook material model is used and the parameters are determined by Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar tests. Plates are modelled using shell, solid and thick shell elements with different element formulations. Consequently, the elastic and plastic deformation results, effective plastic strain distributions, pressure histories and the cpu times are compared. Furthermore, the advantage and disadvantages of the considered formulations and parameters are presented.