On the dynamic response of rectangular liquid storage structure subjected to blast-induced ground shock

Abstract

The paper aims to investigate the dynamic response of the rectangular liquid storage structure (LSS) under blast-induced ground shock. A two-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) finite-element model was established, and its effectiveness was verified using a laboratory experiment conducted on an explosion shock and vibration simulation platform (ESVSP). The relationship between the mode shape and frequency was explored using modal analysis. Higher-order modes are characterised by more half-waves preferentially forming in the short sidewall and adjacent sidewalls vibrating in the same direction. The sensitivities of the deflection, hydrodynamic pressure, and equivalent strain in relation to the peak, duration, and loading direction of ground acceleration (i.e. PGA, TGA, and DGA) were highlighted. The results showed that the LSS response magnitude increases linearly as the PGA increases, whereas it first increases and then decreases as the TGA is extended. Furthermore, a feasible method for building a standard shock response spectrum (SRS) was proposed, in which the ground-shock effects were divided into mitigation, enhancement, and equality regions. It is beneficial to evaluate the extreme value of the LSS response to ground shock. The LSS vibration is dominated by different modes as the DGA is varied. The deformation mechanism was revealed by considering the boundary conditions and force characteristics. The conclusion indicates that the bottom middle of the sidewall, as a weak link, needs to be protected.