Numerical Simulation of a Terrorist Attack

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the numerical simulation of the 1993 terrorist attack at the New York World Trade Center. Aim of this work is to compare the results of the simulation with the actual damage suffered by the structure, in order to discuss and explore the possibility of extending the use of such simulation tools (widely used for industrial products) also to the design and optimization of large structures.The work involves the state of art in numerical simulation (based on finite elements method) coupled with modeling the high strain-rate effect on mechanical behavior of materials.The results show a strong concordance with the historical data of the event. This leads tohypothesize future scenarios (even normative ones) in the field of large structures design and safety improvement against impulsive events.