Numerical Simulation of Barricades under Blast Wave Propagation

Barricade is one of the most efficient means available to protect persons, goods and facilities against fragments. It is also an efficient solution to minimize blast hazards by reducing overpressure level just behind. Purpose of this study is to check that there is effectively an overpressure decrease behind barricade and to assess it. Finite element (FE) modeling was carried out with a two dimensional finite volume code based on Euler equations. Numerical simulations and theoretical studies have been conducted to define how to design protection barriers that limit the propagation of blast waves in an explosion and to assess the ability of these barriers to reduce the harmful consequences of an explosion. The insights gained from this research will be presented in a methodological guide for the practical use of physical protection barriers.