Experiment and numerical simulation on explosion resistance of full-contact metal floating decks

Abstract

[Objective] This paper aims to explore the explosion resistance performance of full-contact metal floating decks under gas explosion loads by employing a combination of experimental and numerical simulation methods. [Methods] In this study, a series of experiments were performed using various types of floating deck specimens in an explosion resistance experimental system designed for floating decks, to investigate the impact of different floating deck materials, connection modes, and thickness of upper and lower panels on their explosion resistance performance. A finite element model was established using the experimental data, and its correctness was subsequently verified by comparing the results obtained from the experiments with those obtained through numerical simulation.Furthermore, this study focused on analyzing the dynamic response process and failure mode of floating decks by studying displacement and stress contours, deformation-velocity curves at the center point over time, and examining the energy absorption ratio data of the honeycomb core. [Results] The study results revealed that the upper panel of the floating decks exhibited a radial stress distribution with a monotonically increasing trend, reaching the maximum value of 98.1 MPa at the edge. In contrast, the lower panel experienced relatively lower stress levels compared to the upper panel, displaying a radial distribution trend characterized by an initial increase, followed by a decrease in the middle, and another increase towards the end. The maximum stress observed on the lower panel was 63.18 MPa at the edge. Additionally, the maximum deformation observed on the floating decks was 48.9 mm for the upper panel and 3.2 mm for the lower panel, respectively. During the process of withstanding the explosion, the middle honeycomb core absorbed 72%— 86% of the impact energy. [Conclusion] The central zone of the upper panel in floating decks is identified as a weak area in the overall structure.To enhance the explosion resistance performance,it is crucial to strengthen the upper panel appropriately.Additionally,under the same specifications and conditions,floating decks filled with honeycomb cores exhibit improved performance in explosion resistance.

Keywords

• full-contact floating deck
• explosion resistance characteristics
• sandwich structure
• explosion experiment
• numerical simulation