Calculation of subsequent structural effects after an accidental explosion in a test facility

This paper presents an analysis of the deformation and potential damage to a critical component of an experiment at the flame source in a high intensity burner due to a small accidental explosion. First, the accident is briefly summarized. Then, upper and lower bounds for the explosive load are estimated. Next, a finite element model of one of the key structural components is generated and the simplifying assumptions are critically evaluated. Then the results of the appropriate finite element calculation are evaluated and the effect of the accident on the structure is presented. 6 refs., 7 figs.