Strength analysis of box girder joint structures with frames subjected to internal blast loading

  Objectives  In order to investigate the strength of the joint structure of box girders under internal explosion,

  Methods  this paper use the explicit dynamic finite software ANSYS/LS-DYNA to establish a large complex typical cabin model. Numerical investigations are then conducted to analyze the dynamic response of different forms of joint structure under internal explosion using the ALE algorithm. The whole deformation/failure mode of cabin structures with the same charge mass and detonation position is obtained. A comparison of stress level at typical positions is then carried out in detail.

  Results  The results show that the arc-arc type joint has a lower stress level compared to the bracket at the broadside. In the central position where a box girder is connected to a web beam, the arc-arc joint form is better than the other two.

  Conclusions   The findings of this paper can provide useful references for the engineering application of joint structures.