Non Linear Dynamic Analysis of Cold Formed Steel Stud Walls Subjected to Blast Loading

A detailed dynamic non-linear numerical investigation has been conducted on the conventional and stiffened steel stud wall panel under blast loading. Various parameters such as charge weight, mesh dependency and boundary condition have been investigated in this study, with a specific emphasis on assessing performance of both the types of stud wall panels with respect to midpoint displacement and energy dissipation of the models, with the inclusion of geometrical and material non-linearity. Modeling method and material properties used have been discussed in detail. Initially the numerical simulation has been validated by considering existing experimental results available in literature. The analysis has been led to numerous interesting results on the response of square honeycomb stiffened steel stud wall panel compared to a conventional one. The comparative study also includes suggestion regarding improvement of performance of steel stud walls under blast loading.