Explosion Simulation

BMT WBM has an extensive capability in the simulation of explosion physics. The simulations are capable of accounting for realistic explosive properties, both from solid or gaseous products, and with deflagrating and detonating explosions.

The simulations model the propagation of the detonation wave, or flame front, through the explosive medium, and the explosive expansion of the products leading to the formation of the blast wave. This creates a very accurate blast wave simulation that can be implemented in a predictive sense, knowing only the thermo-chemistry of the explosion.

The simulations are capable of coupling gas dynamics of the explosion to highly detailed structural models. The damage, and resulting deformation, of the structures are simulated in real time, allowing the interaction between the evolving blast and the structures can be accurately simulated.

These simulations can be used in many areas of engineering interest, including: post-blast analysis following processing plant accidents, analysis of the severity of potential terrorist explosions and in mining blasting applications. These simulations can play an important role in analyzing the security of important infrastructure such as airports, bridges and buildings and in the design of explosion resistant structures.

Simulation of Complete Draglines

The advanced computer based modelling techniques implemented by WBM have been applied to the simulation of draglines for the mining industry.

The simulation technique is capable of modelling a complete dragline, structurally, mechanically and electrically; taking into account the dynamic nature of the loads that are applied to the structure. These dynamics are of critical importance to the analysis, originating from both the loading arrangement (because of the dynamics of the bucket, the ropes and the drives) and
from the response of the complicated structure to these loads.

The dragline operates in its virtual environment, simulating the action of the various controllers using algorithms that run coupled to the structural dynamics model. The controllers apply drive torques to the machine and receive feedback
from the model.

Crashworthiness and Impact Simulation

WBM has developed significant experience in the simulation of crash dynamics and high-speed impacts. This is an area in which non-linear Finite Element simulations are particularly effective.
Impacts and collisions involving detailed models of rail and road vehicles, and aircraft can be simulated. These can be used to assess both the crashworthiness of current vehicle designs and to investigate ways to improve these designs.

This type of simulation is used by many manufacturers as an integral part of the design cycle and can reduce the need for costly destructive testing programmes.

WBM has extended this application area to the design of black box data recorders for military aircraft. The resistance of the design to high-speed impact, penetration and static crushing were analysed. The structural modelling was combined with transient heat transfer analysis to arrive at the design optimally suited to resisting both forms of damage during a crash.