Blast simulation with shock tube testing and computational fluid dynamics analysis

This research was focused on using a shock tube to simulate blast waves. To begin with, it was necessary to understand the characteristics of the shock tube. Besides some basic testing, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the commercial code FLUENT was established for numerical simulations. The numerical results agreed favorably with the testing results and those from a one-dimensional analysis. The CFD model was then used to explore more advanced uses and possible upgrading of the shock tube. Venting holes in multiple plates were found to be feasible for mitigating shock waves. The effects of water and sand in blast waves were also investigated in this research.