Blast wave interaction with structures: an application of exploding wire experiments

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to build upon prior shock dynamics research to create an improved experimental setup that can be used to better understand the interaction of shock waves with structures. Large-scale blast wave experiments pose a risk to the individuals running the experiments, the surroundings, and the institution funding them. In contrast, small-scale blast experiments are able to decrease the danger and amount of funding needed associated with each experiment while producing valuable data. Simulations of blast wave–structure interaction may, on the other hand, result in extensive computational times and results that need verification. The exploding wire setup used in this research study has been optimized to consistently produce results at a run-time of less than 100 s per experiment. The adaptable exploding wire setup has a discharge voltage range of 10–40 kV. The configuration includes three main components: the driver, the experimental apparatus, and an ultrahigh-speed imaging system. The original makeup of the exploding wire apparatus allows for flexible adjustments of specifications such as initial detonation, shock wave origin, and magnitude in two and three dimensions. A recent advancement in algorithm tracking has allowed for automated detection of the individual shock fronts. In this instance, the exploding wire apparatus was adapted to simulate city-scale explosions in two dimensions, and the results were compared with numerical simulations.