RIGID-PLASTIC ANALYSIS OF UNDERWATER BLAST LOADED STIFFENED PLATES

A new simplified method of analysis is developed to predict the nonlin ear dynamic response of submerged stiffened plates subjected to underw ater explosions. The dynamic response of the structure is modelled by using rigid-plastic beam and beam-grillage approaches developed previo usly for air-blast loaded stiffened plates and the fluid-structure int eraction is simulated by applying the simple Hains acoustic approximat ions directly on the wet surface of the structure. Large-deflection an d strain-rate effects are considered and the phenomenon of water cavit ation is included by using an appropriate pressure criterion. The math ematical formulation of the coupled field system is briefly outlined a nd some illustrative examples are presented.