Pulse–pressure loading effects on aviation and general engineering structures—review
Abstract This paper reviews various aspects of modeling an explosion on an aircraft, which can be extended to more general structures. A brief summary of material and structural models is given, followed by a detailed history of pulse–pressure loading models with an emphasis on free–free beams and how pulse characteristics affect a structure's response. Techniques to desensitize pulse shape effects are discussed, which culminate in the form of pressure–impulse isodamage curves. Studies using random loading models are also presented.
Shock Loading and Failure of Fluid-filled Tubular Structures
We consider the response of fluid-filled tubes to internal shock waves and explosions. The emphasis is on the fluid–solid coupling aspects. The coupling of axial wave propagation in the fluid to flexural waves in the tube may be characterized by a single parameter that depends only on the tube and fluid material properties and dimensions. Using this parameter as a figure of merit, we discuss the limiting cases of weak and strong coupling between the fluid wave motion and tube structural motion. Examples discussed include detonation and shock waves in gas and liquid-filled tubes of metal, polymers, and composites. The results of experiments on elastic and plastic deformation are presented as well as selected results on fracture and rupture. Detonation in gas-filled tubes usually falls in the weak coupling regime except for very thin tubes or cases of deformation that lead to tube rupture. Impact generated axial waves in liquid-filled tubes can range from weak-to-strong coupling cases depending on the tube wall thickness and material. These cases include the well-known phenomenon of water hammer and we describe the relationship of impact studies to previous work on wave-propagation in water-filled pipes.
HYPERGOLIC REACTION MECHANISMS OF CATALYTICALLY PROMOTED FUELS WITH ROCKET GRADE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Abstract The coupling of the physical and chemical processes controlling the ignition delays (τ ign ) of hypergolic propellants complicates the direct analysis of the transient ignition processes. The transport properties of both the propellants and the ambient gas, and the heat of vaporization and reaction affect τ ign and must be considered experimentally. Furthermore, since hypergolic ignition occurs, by definition, on contact, the mechanics of initial contact and subsequent mixing can affect τ ign and must also be considered. Experimental results from a study of the hypergolic ignition of a catalytically promoted fuel with rocket grade hydrogen peroxide (RGHP) are presented. Statistical analysis of the experimental data was conducted to evaluate the relative effects of RGHP concentration, initial ambient pressure, and the ambient gas on τ ign . At RGHP concentrations of less than 92% in water, stable ignition was difficult to achieve. At sufficiently high Lewis number, an oscillatory ignition process is observed. A phenomenological model comprising mixing, RGHP decomposition, fuel heating and vaporization, and auto-ignition is presented and compared to the experimental results.