AnexplicitdynamicanalysisofaROPAXvesselunder.docVIP

An explicit dynamic analysis of a ROPAX vessel under impulsive loading from a VBIED S. J. Pahos Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde, Department of Naval Architecture Marine Engineering Glasgow, United Kingdom ABSTRACT: The response of structures subjected to blast loading has been a topic of investigation widely addressed in the open literature over the past five decades. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the imminent risk of terrorist threats at a global level has accelerated the research into the blast response of transportation infrastructure. Recent attacks as the one against Seabourn Spirit (2005) which was miraculously thwarted; or that against SuperFerry 14 (2004) that claimed 116 lives, have addressed the immediate need to evaluate blast effects on ferries. The main theme of this work is to investigate the structural response of the parallel middle body of a ROPAX vessel from a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), and assess the resultant damage. As an adjunct, the subject of ship survivability in a seaway is approached and some important parameters are discussed. INTRODUCTION Previous Attacks Recent terrorist attacks on large passenger ferries and cruise liners caused international outcry and stressed at the same time the vulnerability of the passenger fleet in the most chilling way. Maritime terrorism, and similar acts of piracy, immediately garner media attention that results in billions of dollars worth of economic losses every year. The world’s deadliest terrorist attack at sea was that against SuperFerry 14 on 27th February, 2004 near Manila. SuperFerry 14 sunk when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), of approximately 4kg of TNT hidden in a television, was detonated in the lower compartments of the ship (Asian Journal Publications, 2004). SuperFerry 14 claimed 116 lives and brought to the surface a plethora of safety and risk-related issues as the Abu Sayyaf Group claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing. Another well-p