Suddenly loaded arrays of pillars with variable range of load transfer

Abstract

. This paper deals with multicomponent systems subjected to suddenly applied loads. Such multicomponent systems consist of functionally identical elements, but the elements differ in their ability to sustain the applied load. Specifically, arrays of pillars are an example of the multicomponent systems. The capability of the array to sustain the applied load depends not only on the strength of the pillars but also on how the load coming from failed pillars is redistributed to the intact ones. We employ a Fiber Bundle Model with load transfer restricted within a rectangular region generated dynamically after each pillar’s destruction. We investigate strength of the array and its survivability.