Dynamic Response of Stepped Beams Under Impulsive Loading

Aim To analyze dynamic failure of aerospace strutures subjected lateral impulsive loading. Methods Structures were modeled as rigid-perfectly plastic free-free stepped beams. Basic equations of motion un set up for analysis. Results Final pat deformation and rigid motion solutions were determined for a uniform impulsive loading. The critical rupture conditions for a space shuttle and a missile were obtained. Conclusion Failure is possible for aerospace structures under a uniform impulsive loading, but it is mere difficult in space.