Explosion Simulations/Structural Analysis With FLACS and USFOS

Abstract A structural analysis performed by Scandpower combining explosion simulations and structural analysis utilising the the computer tools USFOS and FLACS is described. As of today, the most common procedure for elastic and plastic explosion response analyses is to define the explosion load as a uniform pressure vs. time function for all surfaces and elements in the model. Capabilities of the computer tools FLACS and USFOS allow for a more refined approach, recognizing that for large geometries explosion pressure will vary in both time and spatial domain. USFOS (Ultimate Strength for Offshore Structures) (Ref. /1/) is a leading computer program for nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of space frame structures. The program accurately simulates the collapse process, from the initial yielding, through to the formation of a complete collapse mechanism and the final toppling of the structure. FLACS (FLame ACcellerator Simulator) (Ref. /2, 3/) is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool for modeling of ventilation, gas dispersion and explosions in complex process areas. The FLACS code allows for monitoring...

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