DYNAMICS OF AN EXPLOSION BLAST-PROOF AIRCRAFT LUGGAGE CONTAINER .2. THEORETICAL FAILURE ANALYSIS AND EXPERIMENTAL-VERIFICATION

A theoretical analysis of the blast of an explosive and the effect of the blast on the walls of surrounding (neighboring) structure has been made using the finite element analysis technique. The finite element analysis computer code used in this analysis is EPIC-2 interfaced with the subroutines developed for the composite material behavior. EPIC-2 allows one to predict the explosion shock wave propagation and pressure field generated during the explosion. The effect of the shock wave on the neighboring structure during the explosion was analyzed. The stress levels within the neighboring structure were evaluated and the failure of the structure was predicted using appropriate failure criteria. The analysis results were then verified using the experimental data. This analysis procedure provides realistic results which are in good agreement with the experimental results. Experimental work was carried to assess the relative merits of Spectra vs. aramid in these applications.