A numerical investigation of blast-structure interaction effects on primary blast injury risk and the suitability of existing injury prediction methods

Explosions increasingly occur in densely populated, urban locations. Primary blast injuries (PBIs), caused by exposure to wave overpressure, can be predicted using injury criteria, although many are based on idealised loading scenarios that do not necessarily reflect real life situations. At present, there is limited understanding of how, and what extent, blast-structure interaction influences risk, the suitability criteria assume loading. This work employed computational fluid dynamics investigate influence effects such as shielding channelling load characteristics PBIs. The validated modelling showed with common features like walls corners resulted complex waveforms featuring multiple peaks less clearly defined durations, these alter potential risk maps. For example, due reduced peak overpressures 43%–60% at locations behind corner. However, when layout included a corner wall structure, higher pressures impulse were observed. significantly increased exposed location In cases, application interpretation existing had several limitations reliability. demonstrates structural-blast from layouts has significant effect PBI risk. Specific challenges further develop reliability prediction for discussed.