Shock wave attenuator parameters

Calculated results on shock wave loading of different inert barriers in a wide range of their dynamic properties under explosion on their surfaces of concrete size charges of different explosive materials in various initial states were obtained with the use of the one-dimensional computer hydrocode EP. Barriers due to materials such as polystyrene, textolite, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, tantalum or tungsten were examined (Fig. 9.35). Initial values of pressure and other parameters of loading on the interface explosive-barrier were determined in the process of conducted calculations. Phenomena of propagation and attenuation of shock waves in barrier materials were considered too for all possible situations. 

It is found that through the complicated wave interaction, the incident shock energy was in part absorbed by reflected expansion wave, rebound shock wave and then the bubble deformation, and the incident shock wave is significantly attenuated. The present study has been done under an idealized condition. Therefore, more works have to be done in the future with combining various parameters such as shock overpressures and the size and number of bubbles. 

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