Development of Multi-Hit Nonlinear Progressive Collapse Models for Fixed Targets

A Phase I Project is proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing Multi-hit Nonlinear Progressive Collapse Models for Fixed Targets. The stated objective is to develop High-Fidelity Physics-Based (HFPB) fast-running models (FRMs) for simulating the nonlinear progressive collapse of aboveground fixed target structures damaged by multiple air-delivered conventional weapons. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of (a) developing nonlinear resistance functions for building components (beams and columns) damaged due to air blast and fragment loading of Air Force weapons, (b) implementing these functions in a nonlinear structural analysis program for collapse analysis and (c) using energy methods to compute approximate collapse ratios efficiently for the multi-hit optimization.