Validation of a Computational Approach to Predict Bursting Pressure of Scored Steel Plates

Bursting pressure is a key parameter to optimize the performance of shock wave experimental devices or to guarantee the proper activation of overpressure safety devices. This paper provides the experimental results of scored circular thin steel plates brought to collapse by an increase in applied pressure. A finite element approach is adopted to predict the bursting pressure: detailed description of the numerical model choices and the effectiveness of simulating the nonlinear response are also given. The reliability of the proposed model in predicting the experimental response is evaluated through the comparison of global and local indicators under blind prediction conditions. A numerical parametric study is carried out to better understand the diaphragm deformation mechanics and the influence of the main parameters on the diaphragms burst pressure