Preliminary Design of Vessels to Contain Explosions

Vessels containing explosions are used for weapons transport and disposal and for experimental studies of high shock loading on materials. This paper describes simple approaches to the initial outline design of such vessels, which would subsequently be confirmed and enhanced by detailed finite element work. Initial explosive pressure pulses are estimated and used to assess the breathing mode response of the vessel. Rule of thumb estimates are then obtained of other significant modes, and allowances made for features such as ports. The allowable levels of strain are set from a proposed code case for such loadings. An assessment is also made of the remaining static pressure after the shock has decayed. The methods allow rapid parametric studies and selection of materials.