Predicting Structural Debris and Secondary Air-Blast

ABSTRACT: This proposal is for a 24-month Phase II project to develop innovative High-Fidelity Physics-Based (HFPB) Fast-Running Models (FRMs) that simulate the interaction of weapons with structural components of buildings and predict their secondary debris and air blast into adjoining spaces. As stated in Air Force Topic AF103-131, the disintegration of overloaded walls and slabs generates two important secondary effects that can be lethal to personnel, equipment, and structural components located in adjoining rooms; the first is secondary debris from fragmentation of the wall/slab component and the second is secondary air blast that can, in many circumstances, interact with the disintegrating wall and project blast and dynamic pressure loadings. Current HFPB FRMs that are used to predict weapons effectiveness or assess human or building lethality do not account for these effects. This can have negative impacts on collateral damage estimation and weaponeering activities. The DoD needs a new generation of FRMs to improve their prediction capabilities in these areas. BENEFIT: Given the generality of the analysis and fast-running modeling technology proposed, many non-military applications are possible. One possibility is enhanced risk analysis tools for accidental blast responses of civil structures. K & C has already marketed some of our FRM codes and engineering services to government and commercial clients. Other potential customers include the Department of State, the Secret Service, DHS, DDESB, FAA, GSA, and all agencies for which consideration of multiple threats is of interest. The general ability to consider the damage imparted to a component either by successive applications of a single type of threat (e.g., blast) or a combination of threats (e.g., blast followed by a high-energy impact load) is going to be of interest to many who need to consider the risks associated with multiple hazards. This capability, for example, would interest first responders and could be included in DHS programs for developing rapid assessment tools to evaluate the safety of structures that have been involved in situations involving multiple hazards.