Print this page Introduction to Structural Impact
Christopher Wright, P.E.
Course Outline
This four hour
online course is an introduction to structural impact assessment for practicing
mechanical and structural engineers. The emphasis is on first principles and
methodology to address commonplace design problems. This course will enable
the designer to estimate impact loads and their effects routinely.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to
enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At
the conclusion of this four-hour course, the student will:
- Be able to use energy methods to estimate impact loading.
- Be familiar with common working assumptions for dealing with impact.
- Be introduced to some simple mathematical relationships suitable for design office use.
- Understand the basic features of elastic and inelastic impact.
- Understand the dynamic amplification associated with impact loading.
- Understand applicability of impulse and momentum in assessing impact.
- Understand the use of the ductility factor as it applies to structural design.
- Understand the basics of transient dynamic loading.
- Understand the physical basis of impact and shock load in sufficient depth to make practical use of the mathematical fundamentals.
- Work through a variety of representative problems in shock and impact response.
- Be able to formulate approaches to commonly encountered structural impact problems.
- Be prepared
to begin detailed study of more advanced structural dynamics.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for structural and mechanical engineers.
Course
Introduction
At one time or
another most engineers run into cases of impact loading. The general problem
of impact is extremely complex, but reasonable and useful engineering estimates
are possible simply from considerations of a few first principles with some
simplifying assumptions. Irrespective of the complexity of the details, impact
necessarily involves conservation of energy and momentum. Impacting bodies conserve
momentum, and their kinetic energy will be partially converted to strain energy
in the target and partly dissipated through friction and local plastic deformation
and strain energy 'radiated' away as stress waves. The details are very difficult
to predict, but some simple estimates based on first principles can usually
result is reasonable estimates for response.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file (82 K) Introduction to Structural Impact. You need to open or download above documents to study this course.
Course Summary
The physics of
impact necessarily involves conservation of energy and momentum. When a moving
object strikes a structure the force which decelerates the mass satisfies conservation
of momentum. The kinetic energy of the impacting body will be partially converted
to strain energy in the target and partly dissipated through friction and local
plastic deformation and strain energy 'radiated' away as stress waves.
The chief problem usually involves estimation of deformability. In real structures
the deceleration is limited by elastic and plastic deformation, which in effect
cushions the blow, and a major 'trick' is making a reasonable estimate the local
compliance or stiffness at the point of impact.
Where impact is a routine service condition, the structure should remain elastic
or nearly so. In other cases the requirement is to provide proof that the structure
remain substantially intact, even though damaged. Local plastic deformation
may be tolerated, provided the overall response is nearly elastic.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
