This work analyses coupling effects between blast waves and flexible, light structures. A new analytical coupling model is developed taking account of aerodynamic damping and fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) effects. This model contributes to a better understanding of the physical coupling phenomena and can be used for the verification of more complex numerical models. Especially mass and stiffness determine the effects of aerodynamic damping and FSI. While the coupling effects are negligible for stiff or heavy systems, e.g. reinforced concrete structures, they significantly influence the structural response of flexible and light systems, e.g. glazing facades. The results of the analytical single degree of freedom model are compared with coupled Eulerian-Langrangian finite element simulations. The lighter and the more flexible the structure is, the larger is the reduction of the deformations due to the coupling effects. A pre-stressed cable net facade is a typical example of a flexible, light, protective system. A numerical model of a cable net facade is developed, and the results are compared with the developed analytical approach. Furthermore, energy dissipating cable end supports are presented. These supports are elastic under normal wind loads. However, under blast loads, the system is triggered and behaves plastically in order to absorb energy. The cable end support must have a sufficient deformation capacity in the plastic region while the rest of the cable net facade reacts elastically.
«This work analyses coupling effects between blast waves and flexible, light structures. A new analytical coupling model is developed taking account of aerodynamic damping and fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) effects. This model contributes to a better understanding of the physical coupling phenomena and can be used for the verification of more complex numerical models. Especially mass and stiffness determine the effects of aerodynamic damping and FSI. While the coupling effects are negligible f...
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