Predicted Loading from a 241.3 kPa (35 PSI) Blast Wave on a Candidate Rarefaction Wave Eliminator

This study provides estimates of the blast loading on a candidate passive Rarefaction Wave Eliminator RWE design for the proposed US Large BlastThermal Simulator LBTS. This design includes an Interior RWE I-RWE that has a fixed blockage of the flow area, and a Primary RWE P-RWE with adjustable blockage settings. Also included are two sets of side vents which can be either completely closed or opened, depending on the design test conditions. The set of side vents located between the I-RWE and the P-RWE is termed the Downstream Side Vent DSV, and the set of side vents located upstream from the I-RWE is termed the Upstream Side Vent USV. Hydrocode computations were performed assuming a 241.3 kPa peak overpressure blast wave from a 600 KT device for both the normal operation settings of minimum RWE blockage and maximum side vent openings, and for an assumed accident situation where the P-RWE presented a maximum possible blockage and the side vents were closed. The net horizontal forces on both the I-RWE and P-RWE are computed as functions of time for both cases, as are the mass flow rates through the test section, the I-RWE, P-RWE, USV, and DSV. Analysis of the resulting wave interactions in the LBTS near the RWE end is also presented, including a discussion of the pressure loading on the individual sections of the side walls of the LBTS in that region. Keywords Airblast Hull hydrocode