Deformation and failure of blast-loaded square plates

Numerical results for clamped, thin square steel plates subjected to blast loading are presented. The numerical analysis is based on a finite element formulation, which includes the nonlinear effects of geometry and material as well as strain rate sensitivity. A phenomenological interactive failure criterion comprising bending, tension and transverse shear is proposed to p redict the various modes of failure. A node release algorithm is developed to simulate the progression of plate rupture from the boundary. The analysi s is continued in the post-failure phase to account for the free flight def ormation of the torn plate. The predicted failure modes for a blast-loaded plate are presented and compared with previously published experimental dat a. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.