The credibility of predictions for structural designs subjected to large dynamic loadings causing inelastic behaviour

A study was published recently by ASME which contain the views of experienced numerical analysts on the credibility of numerical calculations in engineering design. Various important issues were raised so this paper is an attempt to examine some of these concerns from the narrower perspective of the response of structures subjected to large dynamic, impact and blast loadings producing inelastic deformations and failure. This area is relevant for hazard assessment and security studies, safety calculations, structural crashworthiness and energy-absorbing systems, structural protection and related topics. Some observations are offered on the paucity of information for the dynamic properties of materials, approximations of external dynamic loadings, modelling of structural details, accuracy of experimental test programmes and the influence of several other topics, including similitude. These factors can influence the potential accuracy and credibility of validation exercises and design studies for Finite-Element Analyses.