Finite element simulations of mine blast effects - a convergence study using GRALE2D

This work is a convergence study with the objective to work out guidelines for the in-house finite element code GRALE2D in axi-symmertrical mine blast simulations. The reflected pressure pulse against a rigid flat surface at different charge sizes, at stand-off distance 50cm, has been analysed for both surface laid and buried mines. Geometries and dimensions were chosen as to resemble the situation of a vehicle exposed to a mine blast. The results indicate certain problems at obtaining converged results for local pressure peaks near the axis of revolution. This is especially the case in situations where the mine is covered by a layer of soil. However, global results and impulse intensities generally converge quite well. The report is concluded with some suggestions regarding element size at different charge sizes.