Dynamic structural loading using a light gas gun

A light gas gun was used to dynamically load models of the wall sections typical of those used in the construction of buried structures. Scaling of the loading time history is addressed, and the appropriate nondimensional parameters for the loading and the model structural characteristics are defined. Scaling is simplified by use of structural materials for the models which have a yield strength and material moduli close to those found in prototype structures. Methods for producing the desired loading by using a light gun are investigated, and reasonable accuracy and flexibility in achieving the desired loading time history is demonstrated. Experimental results are given for the loading conditions and the failure mode that occurs when the model wall section is breached. The loading conditions to produce failure in the model are reduced to nondimensional form and compared to results from prototype field tests, also in nondimensional form. The resulting nondimensional data are used to evaluate the suitability of the light gun to dynamically simulate ground shock loading as well as to investigate failure criteria.