Probabilistic structural response of a valve assembly to high impact loading

Conference · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 2000

OSTI ID:765581

Rodriguez, E A; Thacker, B H ^[1]

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1. and others

Engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are currently developing capabilities, in cooperation with Southwest Research Institute, to provide reliability-based structural evaluation techniques for performing weapon component and system reliability assessments. The development and applications of Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) is an important ingredient in the overall weapon reliability assessments. Focus, herein, is placed on the uncertainty associated with the structural response of an explosive actuated valve-piston assembly. The probabilistic dynamic response of the piston upon impact is evaluated through the coupling of the probabilistic code NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress) [1] with the non-linear structural dynamics code, ABAQUS/Explicit [2]. The probabilistic model includes variations in piston mass and geometry, and mechanical properties, such as Young's Modulus, yield strength, and flow characteristics. Finally, the probability of exceeding a specified strain limit, which is related to piston fracture, is determined.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 765581
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-00-5009
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ENGINEERS
EVALUATION
EXPLOSIVES
GEOMETRY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PISTONS
RELIABILITY
STRAINS
VALVES
YIELD STRENGTH