Performance Assessment of a U-Shaped Dissipative Flat  Bar Bending Device for Blast Protection

Ferreira, Tiago José Basílio

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/59852

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Authors

Ferreira, Tiago José Basílio

Advisor(s)

Lecompte, David

Matias, Pedro José Da Silva Gonçalves

Abstract(s)

Commercial ”shipping containers” have brought about a revolution in military logistics. Initially recog nized as being a primary method for shipping supplies and materiel, these structures can be adapted to improve living conditions for soldiers during operations. The increase of terrorist attacks and the high use of explosive devices as a weapon type makes the investigation of blast-resistant solutions for structures based on energy-dissipating methods impor tant given that it can protect the occupants and contents from blast effects and allow rapid repair and reoccupation after an explosive attack. This dissertation focuses on the study and characterization of an energy dissipative device denom inated U-shaped dissipative flat bar bending device (UFBD) subject to blast loading conditions. This device is part of a design of a protective solution developed for ISO containers to mitigate the amount of energy released from a blast event, minimizing the damage to the container allowying a faster recovery of full functionality after an extreme event. The UFBD is composed of a mechanism box with a pin inside and a flat bar which is positioned in direct contact around the pin. When a force is applied, the flat bar is forced to bend around the pin, dissi pating energy through plastic deformation. The study and characterization of the UFBD subject to blast loading conditions were carried out through an experimental test campaign and numerical modelling in the LS-Dyna software. The blast loading experimental campaign and the numerical simulations proved that the UFBD has the potential to work as an energy absorber device for blast loading conditions. It was verified that the f lat bar moved around the pin and deformed as expected. The ability to dissipate energy through plastic deformations was validated through the plastic deformation of the flat bar after the blast.

Keywords

U-shaped dissipative flat bar bending device (UFBD) plastic deformation experi mental test campaign numerical modelling energy absorber blast mitigation.