Assessment of numerical simulation capabilities for medium-structure interaction systems under explosive loads

Abstract This study was aimed at assessing the capabilities to numerically simulate a dynamic medium-structure interaction system composed of geologic backfills, a shock insulation material, an explosive charge, and a partially-buried structure. Conventional high explosive charges were detonated at the same depth, but at various stand off distances from the structure. The finite element code DYNA3D was employed for estimating the relationships between the physical parameters of the problem and the behavior of the system. The results of the finite element analysis were then compared to test data gathered from field experiments and predictions from simpler computational methods.