ABSTRACT
The dynamic loading of structures from detonating explosions is due to the instantaneous or very fast increase in air pressure associated with the shock front, and to the transient forces associated with the blast winds that follow the passage of the shock front. So far we have limited our survey mainly to the 'free field' conditions that result from many types of explosion, but now we must introduce into this clear space structures of varying size, shape, flexibility and ductility. Some of these structures will be sufficiently stiff, or be supported in such a way that the explosive actions will not be influenced by structural behaviour under load. Other structures will deform or move in such a way that their behaviour influences the loading they receive. In the jargon of the analyst the former are decoupled, the latter coupled. Before we can consider this further we must review the pressures that arise when shock fronts are reflected or refracted by obstacles, above and below ground and under the sea.
