Finite-Element Analysis of Fluid-Structure Interaction in a Blast-Resistant Window System

This paper describes the development of a finite-element model capable of representing a blast-resistant flexible window (flex window) system developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory/Airbase Technologies Division. Computational fluid-structure interaction finite-element simulations are used to develop an improved understanding of the manner in which fluid phenomena, such as air compression and flow, affect the behavior of the flex-window system under blast loading. Compressible airflow interacting with a flexible thin-shell structure of the flex window (transient air-window panel interaction phenomena) is found to significantly influence system performance. The influences of shock wave propagation and fluid venting inside the damping chamber of the flex-window system are quantified and the influences of such phenomena on panel deflections, deformations, and internal forces are presented.