Non-explosive methods for simulating blast loading of structures with complex geometries

Characterizing structural responses and applied loads during the entire course of a blast event is problematic due to the harsh conditions of the explosive environment. A procedure for the distribution of blast-like pressures to structures of complex geometries using custom water bladders has been developed using the University of California, San Diego’s (UCSD) Blast Simulator. The methodology was motivated by an effort to test the blast resistance of structures subject to internal, or external, blasts where attention would be focused on areas such as joints, corners, or other areas within occluded geometry. Three series of experiments were conducted in an effort to characterize the use of water bladders for blast simulations. Bladder material, geometry, use of baffles and strapping methods were varied along with Simulator input parameters such as impact velocity and impacting mass geometry. The effects of these variables have been quantified through the comparison of measured pressures, pulse durations and impulses. The experimental methodology demonstrates the ability to tailor load curves to simulate a wide range of blast scenarios.