Design and behaviour numerical simulation of multi-materials for an energetic matter container

Abstract The transportation of dangerous energetic matter needs the use of containers with specific properties, such as complete deconfinement of the matter for a given temperature increase. The mechanisms pointed out as possible responses to the structure and function requirements led to specific multi-materials design. This study shows how the use of suitable models, derived from analysis of the load supported by each component of the multi-material, is helpful for simulating the thermo-mechanical behaviour of such a complex structure. The validity of the deconfinement mechanisms was checked by evaluating the time required to achieve complete deconfinement of the energetic matter contained. The related simulation was based on the successive use of models taking into account only the polyethylene fibrous grid, then the moulded polyethylene layer, and finally all the combined components.