The process of normal shock-waves collision with a concrete wall is of considerable importance from both the theoretical and engineering points of view. The ability to predict the overall picture of the stress field for a concrete wall of prescribed physical properties, exposed to shock waves, is important for designing the walls. The numerical simulation of shock-wave collision, reflection and transmission may also contribute to the investigation of concrete wall behavior in the compressed state. From an industrial standpoint it is necessary to estimate the minimal width and mechanical properties of the concrete wall that can withstand shock-waves of given intensity. Such information is vital for designing protective shielding for people, as well as civil and military structures. The numerical scheme and the computer code for the shock-wave propagation and interaction problem have been developed in the context of the present investigation. The head-on reflection of normal shock waves from a concrete-supported plate was investigated numerically. The computer simulation of the collision process, based on a code developed by us, utilizes the mass, momentum and energy conservation equations, supplemented by relations for the velocity, compressive strain and equation of state. The differential equations and conservations laws are used for the shock wave propagation treatment using the finite difference approach for the second order space-time equations. In order to eliminate the singularity in vicinity of the shock wave front, the artificial viscosity approach has been used. Results obtained by the simulation include, among others, the time and space dependence of the pressure and the velocity both in the gaseous phase and solid medium. Furthermore, the relationship between the characteristic concrete compressive strength and its ability to sustain shock wave dynamic loading, important for the concrete structures design, has been obtained numerically.
