The numerical simulation models for explosions in air and water are established by using the finite element software ANSYS/LSDYNA. The explosion shock wave speeding characteristics in different media are compared, and the dynamic responses of the reinforced concrete slab in a typical air explosion and an underwater explosion are investigated. Furthermore, the dynamic response of the air and underwater explosive loads is analyzed in the cases with different amounts of explosive and at different initiation distances. It is shown that the explosion shock wave propagation is faster in the air than in the water; and the shock wave pressure is more quickly attenuated in the water. But the pressure peak of the shock wave in the water is larger than in the air. An underwater explosion may cause a significant damage to the concrete slab. The dynamic response of a concrete slab subjected to an underwater explosion is significantly higher than that for an air blast with the same mass of charge, both on the surface and on the back of blasting.

reinforced concrete slab  /  air explosion  /  water explosion  /  shock wave speeding characteristics  /  dynamic response