Numerical Investigation of a Blast Wave Interacting with a Square Barrier Array

Understanding the behavior of blast wave interactions with barrier arrays is important for aviation safety. This study aims at investigating the force and impulse characteristics of such interactions with a square barrier array and characterizing the associated flow physics. CFD simulations solving the compressible Euler equations are conducted on various configurations of the barrier array - end wall system. Impact dynamics are highly sensitive to both end wall coverage and barrier separation. The resulting force and impulse on the end wall may be significantly amplified or attenuated. Visualizing the flow field reveals a variety of complex flow phenomena that include reflected/diffracted shocks, Mach stems, shock-vortex core interactions, and smaller shocklets. Accurate prediction of such structures could aid in the experimental and theoretical treatment of such systems, potentially making our skies safer to traverse.