We got two research grants to study the global behavior of structural elements under close-in detonations based on fast-running

We got two research grants to study the global behavior of structural elements under close-in detonations based on fast-running tools and relatively simple but accurate methods.

Current design standards (e.g. CSA S850-12, ASCE/SEI 59-11, UFC 3-340-02, and others) suggest using nonlinear equivalent SDOF systems to study the global response of structural elements to blast loads. The methods are based on uniform dynamic loads and the dominant mode of vibration.

However, this is not the case for close-in detonations, where the load is extremely nonuniform and is characterized by high pressure and impulse magnitudes. Some approximations are commonly made to estimate the “equivalent uniform load” to use in the well-known existing codes.

We aim to develop simplified methods based on analytical considerations. We expect to validate our method with more advanced nonlinear MDOF systems to account for the combination of the nonlinear modes of vibrations. This will allow us both to accurately solve the response to the nonuniform load, and also to modify and use existing design codes to account for the nonuniform nature of the load, based on an equivalent uniform load that will yield the same performance criterion.

Contact PI: Dr. Hezi Grisaro (hezi@technion.ac.il) for available positions for MSc and PhD projects.