Analysis of transient waves in structural systems

High intensity stress waves resulting from impact loading are known to increase the possibility of failure in many engineering structures. Elastomeric materials such as rubber have been used in such cases as stress wave attenuators with varying degree of success. Stress wave theory offers a practical approach to study the dynamic behaviour of such systems and suggests criteria for an appropriate design. This paper presents an analysis of high intensity stress waves in a simulated structural system to study the effects of stresses and strain rates due to transient waves. A geometric modelling approach is used to develop an equivalent simplified model of the structural system and to determine the stress and strain rate attenuation factors. Theoretical analysis and results agree well with the experimental results obtained from the actual system.