Objective
Fundamental understanding of structural and material behaviour under extreme loading conditions is therefore essential combined with the use of tools like virtual work and Newtons laws of motion. This course aims to provide foundational knowledge on how steel and aluminium structures respond to impact and blast loads, using basic examples. This understanding supports structural design for extreme loads, assist in simplified calculations during the early design phases, and support the evaluation of numerical simulation results.
Participants
This course is designed for professionals in defence, protection, civil, mechanical, materials, naval, ocean, transportation, and related engineering fields that address impact, blast, and high-rate loading. Participants with a background in mechanical or structural engineering will benefit most from the specialised topics covered.
Included with the course fee
- Comprehensive technical compendium (digital format)
- Computer programme: PLastic CApacity (PLCA) – a practical tool for demonstrating how varying input parameters influence beam response.
Lecturer: Professor Em. Magnus Langseth
Magnus Langseth is professor emeritus at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway, with research focused on the impact and crashworthiness of aluminium and steel structures. He has also studied point connectors, lightweight ballistic protection, and structural response under blast loading.
Langseth directed SFI CASA (2015–2023) and SIMLab (2007–2014) and is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Impact Engineering. He is a member of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters and the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences as well as a member of the DYMAT Governing Board. His honours include the «Médaille Albert Portevin» (SF2M, 2005) and an Honorary Doctorate from Université de Valenciennes (2009)
Language: English (Norwegian, if preferred by all attendees)
PROGRAM
0830-0900: 1. Introduction
This section covers the overall course outline and provides an introduction to impact mechanics.
0900-1000: 2. Impact Dynamics – Elastic and plastic impact and wave propagation
The basic principles of impact mechanics are discussed here. Both elastic and plastic impacts are presented, along with uniaxial wave propagation. Lecture notes are supplemented with illustrative examples.
1000-1015: Break
1015-1130: 3. Impact Loading on Beams – The effect of material properties, impacting mass and impact velocity are studied. Response parameters are plastic buckling and tensile fracture
This section examines the impact behaviour of simply supported and clamped aluminium beams, with principles that are also applicable to steel beams. Key topics include the effects of cross-section geometry, impacting mass and velocity, material properties, and welding. Force-displacement curves and energy absorption are derived using the concepts of virtual complementary work or virtual forces. All cross-sections are classified as class 1 or 2, and energy absorption is limited by material failure on the tension side and local plastic buckling on the compression side. The development of buckling stresses is based on the deformation theory of plasticity, with reference to local buckling guidelines in EC9. The transient phase during impact is handled using the Mode Approximation Technique. All methods are compiled into a PLastic CApacity (PLCA) programme, which is validated through both analytical methods from literature and numerical simulations. The PLCA programme demonstrates how varying input parameters influence beam response.
1130-1230: Lunch
1230-1315: 4. Energy Absorption in Beams with Partial End Fixity
This part covers energy absorption in beams with partial end fixity subjected to a concentrated load at midspan. It begins by formulating fixed support conditions, then presents the yield criterion for rectangular hollow sections. The force-displacement curve for a beam with elastic end supports is calculated using Green Strain and concentrated plasticity. References are given to the NOSOK design code (RECOMMENDED PRACTICE DNV-RP-C204).
1315-1415: 5. Blast loading of beams
Blast loading is investigated by assuming a rigid, perfectly plastic material. Equilibrium equations are established to determine displacements and energy absorption across different deformation phases. For short duration loads with high intensities, the response is calculated using The Mode Approximation Technique.
1415-1430: Break
1430-1515: 6. Dropped Objects
Comments on the NOSOK design code (RECOMMENDED PRACTICE DNV-RP-C204) recommendations.
1515-1600: 7. Axial and Lateral Compression of Tubes
Both axial and lateral compression of tubes are addressed. Tubes subjected to axial compression experience buckling and subsequent plastic folding. The influence of impact velocity and foam filling are examined. Lateral compression is evaluated by applying loads using either two rigid plates or two-line loads, with a discussion of the behavioural differences between these loading methods.
1600-1645: 8. Structures Subjected to Impact from Rockfall, Avalanche and Debris Flow
This section illustrates three applications: the use of rigid body dynamics to solve rockfall impact problems; the application of shock wave theory to determine the load on a rigid barrier during avalanche impact; and the use of conservation of momentum to determine loads from debris flows.
1645-1715: 9. Overview of Exercises
Simple problems and their solutions are provided to highlight selected topics covered in the lectures.
Literature
Parts 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 are covered in: M. Langseth (2023): Impact and Energy Absorption. Lecture Notes and Reports. SIMLab, NTNU.
Parts 5, 6, and 8: Copy of presentations.
Practical information
Time: Thursday, March 19. 2026
Venue: Thon Hotel Slottsparken, Oslo and with the opportunity to participate digitally via Teams
Participation fee:
kr. 7 900 for members in Norsk Stålforbund, NFS or YSN
kr. 10 200 for non-members
Quantity discount -10% for a minimum of 3 participants from the same company when registering together
Documents and tools provided (included with the course fee):
Technical compendium / Fagkompendium – digital format
Computer programme: PLastic CApacity (PLCA)
Copy of presentation
Registration deadline: Friday, March 13th, 16.00 pm
Administrasjon:
NFS sekretariat
c/o Norsk Stålforbund
e-post: post@stalforbund.com
