The Head-On Collision of Normal Shock Waves with a Concrete Supported Plate

Abstract

The head-on reflection of normal shock waves from a concrete-supported plate was investigated numerically. The computer simulation of the collision process, based on a code developed by us, utilizes the mass, momentum and energy conservation equations, supplemented by relations for the velocity, compressive strain and equation of state. The differential equations and conservations laws are used for the shock wave propagation treatment using the finite difference approach for the second order space-time equations. In order to eliminate the singularity in vicinity of the shock wave front, the artificial viscosity approach has been used. Results obtained by the simulation include, among others, the time and space dependence of the pressure and the velocity both in the gaseous phase and solid medium. Furthermore , the relationship between the characteristic concrete compressive strength and its ability to sustain shock wave dynamic loading, important for the concrete structures design, has been obtained numerically.