A New approach to derive normalised pressure impulse curves for elastic members against external blasts

Abstract

Pressure Impulse (PI) diagram is a useful preliminary design tool for structures and structural members against blasts. An extensive amount of investigation has been undertaken to generalise PI curves, using Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) theory, for elastic structural members. In this study, a new original approach also using SDOF theory, relying on the concept of effective pulse shape, is presented for determining a PI curve for any elastic member. The advantage of this approach is that it can be applied to any given type of blast load. The techniques and equations involved in this approach are outlined. The approach is then applied to external blasts. Finally, to assess the accuracy of this approach, elastic normalised PI curves generated using the new approach are compared against those obtained using the traditional methods.