Modeling and simulation of the effect of blast loading on structures using and adaptive blending of discrete and finite element methods

We present a new computational model for predicting the effect of blast loading on structures. The model is based in the adaptive coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the discrete element method (DEM) for the accurate reproduction of multifracturing and failure of structures under blast loading. In the paper we briefly describe the basis of the coupled DEM/FEM technology and demonstrate its efficiency in its application to the study of the effect of blast loading on a masonry wall, a masonry tunnel and a double curvature dam.
1 INTRODUCTION
The paper presents a procedure for modelling and simulation of the effect of blast loading on structures via the adaptive coupling of the discrete element method and the finite element methods. The theoretical formulation of the discrete element method using spherical or cylindrical particles is briefly reviewed. The finite element equations for structural dynamics are integrated using a standard explicit time integration scheme. The formulation of an adaptive multiscale DEM/FEM model employing the DEM and FEM in different subdomains of the same body is presented. An overlap zone in the DEM and FEM domains is introduced adaptively in order to provide a smooth transition from one discretization method to the other. Coupling between the DEM and FEM overlapping subdomains is provided by kinematic constraints imposed via a penalty function method. The efficiency of the new DEM/FEM method is demonstrated in its application to the study of the effect of blast loading on a masonry wall, a masonry tunnel and a double curvature concrete dam.