A one-dimensional model for impact forces resulting from high mass, low velocity debris

Impact from water-borne debris during tsunami and flood events pose a potential threat to structures. Debris impact forces specified by current codes and standards are based on rigid body dynamics, leading to forces that are dependent on total debris mass. However, shipping containers and other debris are unlikely to be rigid compared to the walls, columns and other structures that they impact. The application of a simple one-dimensional model to obtain impact force magnitude and duration, based on acoustic wave propagation in a flexible projectile, is explored. The focus herein is on in-air impact. Based on small-scale experiments, the applicability of the model to predict actual impact forces is investigated. The tests show that the force and duration are reasonably well represented by the simple model, but they also show how actual impact differs from the ideal model. A more detailed three-dimensional finite element model is also developed to understand more clearly the physical phenomena involved in the experimental tests. The tests and the FE results reveal important characteristics of actual impact, knowledge of which can be used to guide larger scale experiments and detailed modeling. The one-dimensional model is extended to consider water-driven debris as well. When fluid is used to propel the 1-D model, an estimate of the 'added mass' effect is possible. In this extended model the debris impact force depends on the wave propagation in the two media, and the conditions under which the fluid increases the impact force are discussed.