Dynamic responses of discrete multi-layered explosion containment vessels with the consideration of strain-hardening and strain-rate effects

Explosion containment vessels (ECVs) are widely used to completely contain the effects of explosions. A theoretical model for calculating the dynamic plastic responses of discrete multi-layered explosion containment vessels (DMECVs) has been established, which considered the effects of the strain-hardening and strain-rate on the material. The maximum displacement and equivalent plastic strain formulae have been derived for "moving separately" and "moving together" response modes. With the considerations of the effects of strain-hardening and strain-rate, three-dimensional finite element models have been developed in LS-DYNA to calculate the dynamic plastic responses of DMECVs under partial loadings. It shows that analytical and numerical results support each other, which indicates their validity. The two response modes of DMECV are confirmed in different material combinations, and a non-membrane response phase of the outer ribbon layers has been identified. Furthermore, the equivalent plastic strain of the outer ribbon layer does not change during the non-membrane response phase, which is an important characteristic for the dynamics of DMECVs.