A Dimensionless Number for Response of Blast Loaded Steel Plates

The response of monolithic steel plates subjected to blast was extensively studied, and dozens of dimensionless numbers were proposed to predict the response. While the existing dimensionless numbers are not convenient to use in some scenarios with relatively complicated conditions, the dimensionless number proposed for blast loaded steel plates based on dimensional analysis extends the range of application. Different from other dimensionless numbers, the properties of medium with which the blast load transmits are incorporated to extend the application range to more general scenarios. The responses of the plate subjected to both near-field blast with non-uniform load and far-field blast with uniform load, i.e. both the external and internal blasts (for steel boxes), are reasonably predicted. The physical implication of the proposed dimensionless number is clear in that the media properties, geometrical features, characteristics of material, and loading are incorporated, which are readily available in test. A variety of test data are used to validate the applicability and versatility of the proposed dimensionless number.