The Use Of Numerical Modelling To Facilitate The Rapid Repair Of Explosively Formed Craters In Airfield Runways

Abstract

This paper considers the effects produced by a chemical explosion under an airfield runway and mathematically models the crater repair using empirical, statistical and numerical methods. The empirical and statistical methods determine the true and apparent extent of the crater. A computer based numerical model is used to identify the location of maximum stress and displacement in the running surface and in the support material. Using this data, the repair team can accurately and speedily provide a runway repair to a specified aircraft overrun life expectancy. Although the runway surfacing modelled in this paper is precast concrete runway units, the method is being applied to flood grout runway surfacing. The method is also being used to model camouflet type craters.