Numerical Simulation of Shock Wave Damage to Medium-Range and Long-Range Targets

Abstract

In order to accurately analyze the effect of a shock wave on a missile launch vehicle as a whole and on its components when the launch vehicle is at a medium or long distance from the detonation center, a simulation method based on the empirical algorithm and numerical analysis was carried out in this study. The method significantly reduced the computational cost while ensuring computational accuracy. Based on the simulation method, a finite element model for a typical missile launch vehicle was established that consisted of 2.5 million elements. Based on the structured arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method and the fluid-structure coupling algorithm, it took the model only a few hours to simulate the second-level physical process. Next, a shock wave load model was built with a 2000 kg TNT equivalent detonation condition, and the degree of damage to the launch vehicle within 25–45 m from the detonation center was analyzed. The results showed that the joint action of the shock wave overpressure and the dynamic pressure was the main source of damage. Specifically, the missile launcher, the cab, and the fuel tank were the key vulnerable parts. The effective damage radius of the 2000 kg TNT equivalent detonation to the missile launch vehicle was 35 m.