ABSTRACT
In this paper, a numerical simulation using the commercially available AUTODYN 3D
code is carried out to estimate the peak pressure behind a blast barrier. A 50 kg TNT
charge source is employed to simulate the blast wave. Four different element
geometries are used individually to model various shapes of barriers. These barrier
models are constructed singly from plates, angle bars, I-beams or tubes. The pressuretime
histories are recorded by using gauges located behind each barrier model. The
obtained results are compared with the no-barrier case at the same locations. The
influences of the boundary conditions, the cross-sectional dimensions, the spacing
between elements and the amount of charge and its position are examined and
evaluated. The outputs show that the peak pressure of the blast wave can be reduced
depending on certain parameters chosen for the barrier design.