Modelling and the FEM Analysis of the Effects of the Blast Wave on the Floor of a Vehicle According to the AEP-55 Vol. 2 Methodology

Abstract

The article presents the results of numerical simulations regarding the effects of the blast wave on a wheeled armoured vehicle additionally equipped with external multi-layer energy-absorbing panels, the aim of which is to minimise the risk of significant destructions of the vehicle’s construction and thus to increase the safety of vehicle’s occupants. In order to assess the effectiveness of the used energy-absorbing structures, the results obtained for a vehicle with the protective system and for a vehicle without the protective system have been compared. Numerical simulations have been conducted using the finite element method and the LS-DYNA software, which enables the modelling of the effects of the blast wave thanks to the CONWEP option implemented in it. The scope of conducted numerical analyses included checking the capabilities of absorbing the energy of the blast wave by energy-absorbing panels mounted to the bottom of the vehicle. The mass of an explosive amounting to 6 kg and its location towards the vehicle have been assumed based on the assumptions included in the AEP-55 vol. 2 test methodology. The effectiveness of multi-layer energy-absorbing panels have been assessed on the basis of the comparison of changes in acceleration values and courses in characteristic construction points of the vehicle.