Verified and Ready-to-Use Abaqus Model
1. Introduction
Simulating underwater explosions (UNDEX) is a crucial task in marine, structural, and defense engineering. Thin steel plates used in ships, submarines, and offshore platforms are particularly vulnerable to underwater shock waves. Understanding their behavior under blast loading is essential for safety, resilience, and design optimization.
While physical experiments are often expensive, logistically demanding, and sometimes unsafe, finite element tools like Abaqus/Explicit allow engineers and researchers to accurately reproduce these events in a virtual environment—at a fraction of the cost and time.
This article introduces a set of numerical techniques and modeling strategies used to simulate underwater explosion effects on steel plates, based on published experimental research. The result is a validated, ready-to-use Abaqus model that saves time while maintaining high fidelity and reliability.
2. Reference Experimental Setup
The numerical model is based on the experimental study by K. Ramajeyathilagam and C.P. Vendhan, published in the International Journal of Impact Engineering. Their research on steel plates exposed to underwater explosions forms a robust foundation for benchmarking.
The tested steel plate had dimensions of 0.3 × 0.25 m and was fully clamped along the edges. A small TNT charge was detonated underwater at a fixed standoff distance in front of the plate. The resulting deformation was measured and used for validating the simulation.
3. Modeling Strategy in Abaqus
Reproducing the dynamic response of a steel plate under UNDEX conditions requires more than assigning materials and running a solver. It demands precise modeling of fluid–structure interaction, accurate loading, and stability management within the explicit solver.
Key aspects of the modeling approach:
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Water domain: Simulated using AC3D8R acoustic elements to represent compressive wave propagation in the fluid.
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Steel plate: Modeled using S4R shell elements with elasto-plastic material behavior and failure criteria.
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Explosion loading: Applied via a pressure-time curve, based on real explosive characteristics and calibrated to the experiment.
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Boundary conditions: Matched with test setup (fully clamped edges), ensuring realistic constraint behavior.
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Solver: Abaqus/Explicit selected for its ability to handle high-speed, transient loading scenarios. Mass scaling and hourglass control techniques were used to enhance efficiency and stability.
This modeling strategy ensures that the simulation results are both visually accurate and mechanically representative of real-world behavior under blast loading.
4. Simulation Output – Plate Deformation
One of the key simulation outputs is the out-of-plane displacement (U3), which shows the blast wave’s impact on the plate. The model captures how the plate bends, absorbs energy, and responds dynamically to the pressure pulse.
The deformation pattern shows symmetric deflection with maximum displacement occurring at the center of the plate. This matches both physical intuition and test observations.
5. Experimental Comparison – Deformed Shape
To validate the simulation results, the deformed shape obtained from Abaqus was compared with the actual physical deformation of the test specimen.
The curvature and magnitude of deformation in the simulation strongly align with the test outcome. This confirms that the boundary conditions, mesh resolution, and pressure loading have been appropriately defined.
6. Verification Using Displacement Curves
Validation is not a checkbox — it’s a commitment to trust and precision.
The model was further validated by comparing center-point displacement curves for different explosive charges: 10g, 20g, and 40g TNT, all placed at equal standoff distances.
The simulation tracks the experimental trends with high accuracy across time. This agreement reinforces the model’s reliability for parameter studies, structural optimization, and comparative analysis in research or engineering settings.
7. Scientific Foundation and Published Research
The modeling approach featured here has also been applied and extended in the peer-reviewed article:
“Investigating the Effect of Underwater Explosion on Sandwich Structures”
Published in ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (2017)
This further demonstrates the academic validity and engineering depth of the simulation methodology.
8. Ready-to-Use Abaqus Model – Download Now
This is more than just a tutorial model — it’s a research-grade tool built for engineers.
We have prepared a fully verified Abaqus simulation package, ready to use for analysis, benchmarking, or training purposes:
What’s included:
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CAE and INP files
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Pressure-time loading curves
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Acoustic domain setup for water
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Structural interaction and boundary conditions
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Fully validated through experimental comparison
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Used in published scientific research
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or practicing engineer, this model allows you to skip the setup phase and focus on interpreting results, customizing designs, or writing your own papers.
Conclusion
Accurate simulation of underwater explosions requires specialized knowledge, advanced techniques, and reliable validation. This model combines all three—delivering a high-fidelity solution based on real data and verified results.
Save time. Avoid guesswork. Get reliable results.
→ Download the Verified Abaqus Model Now