Recent Studies on the Response of Structues Subjected to Large Impact Loads

This article examines some recent studies into the dy- namic plastic behavior of structures which are relevant to a wide range of impact and blast loading problems in naval architecture and ocean engineering. Particular emphasis is given to the rigid-plastic methods of analysis which allow surprisingly accurate estimates to be made for the response of structures subjected to blast loads from explo- sions and to impacts from dropped objects, fragments from burst rotating machinery systems and loose objects propelled by explosive gases. In particular, the accuracy of quasi-static methods of analysis is explored. Quasi- static methods are found to be suitable for simplifying a wide range of structural impact problems in naval archi- tecture and ocean engineering. This article also examines some recent studies into the failure of structures subjected to dynamic loads which cause rupture of the material. Various other topics of interest for safety calculations, hazard assessments and collision resistance in naval archi- tecture and ocean engineering are discussed.