On the Response of Hemispherical Shell under Blast Loading

Blast valve is an important component of protective structures (required for performing critical operations) for ventilation during normal conditions and for protection from blast/ shock during explosion. In blast valves, hemispherical shells are used as part of closure mechanism. The aim of this work is to investigate the response of hemispherical shells under localised blast loads produced by PE4(C4) explosive. For comparison purpose, circular plate is also analysed. Simply supported and clamped hemispherical shells are loaded from both front (concave) and back (convex) sides. The mid-point displacements of shells are compared for different boundary conditions, loadings and shell dimensions.