Blast Response of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing Protected with FGM Material

This study investigates the blast response of a cold-formed steel (CFS) structural framing system fortified with a functionally graded composite material (FGM) panel through numerical simulation. The steel frame, comprising four CFS studs, was shielded on both sides with 12.5 mm thick layers of gypsum, aluminum composite, and FGM composite materials. Utilizing ABAQUS software, simulations were conducted on a 1.8 m × 2.4 m wall panel subjected to air blast on one side, with a 1.0 kg TNT explosive charge positioned at standoff distances (R) of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m from the framing. The FGM panel was characterized using a stepwise material variation employing a power-law material function. Deformation and failure modes of the studs and protective materials were analyzed and compared with those of the same framing system employing conventional gypsum boards and aluminum composite panels. Results indicate that the FGM panel yielded smaller deformations at peak overpressure for a given standoff distance (R) and exhibited localized failure modes on the studs. In contrast, the framing systems utilizing gypsum and aluminum panels experienced excessive deformation and early collapse of the CFS studs. These findings suggest the potential of FGM as an alternative material for blast-resistant design applications.