The response of structures and materials subject to impulsive loads remains a field of intense research. The dynamic loading and temperature increase affect the material's mechanical/failure response. For example, strains due to explosive blast will increase at rates from 102 to 104 s-1, leading to regimes of elastic/plastic wave propagation, plane stress and adiabatic deformations. Few constitutive models consider high strain rate effects, however some constitutive approaches that were developed and tested at low strain rate regimes will also be addressed here due to their relevance. Specific reference will be made to strain rate regimes close to 104 s-1, where shock waves may develop. The paper focuses on constitutive models for polycrystalline face-centred-cubic (FCC) metals since their behaviour under high strain rate regimes is not yet fully understood mostly due to path loading dependency. Reference is also made to aluminium alloys since they are widely used in virtually all fields of industry and in armour and protective structures and systems. A basic review of the main theoretical aspects that constitute the basis for most of the constitutive models described is also presented and the main features of each model are thoroughly discussed.

The detonation of explosives inside closed spaces, such as industrial facilities or naval vessels, is a very complex phenomenon mainly characterised by an enhancement of internal overpressures and wave reflexions. However, the phenomenon is relevant to the analysis of the e↵ect of accidental or intentional explosions. Examples include, for example, oil and gas industrial facilities, where pressure waves may be generated from accidental explosions. The resulting damage will be a↵ected by the shape and dimension of the compartment and its degree of venting plus the position and weight of the charge. The vulnerability of small buildings, vessels, trains or airplanes remain to be better understood particularly where the safety of passengers and operators is involved. Since the published experimental data on confined explosions is scarce, a numerical model is created to perform a parametric analysis that can provide engineers with guidance for the analysis of the destructive e↵ects of detonations in small compartments in transportation systems or explosions in confined industrial spaces. A thorough validation process of the numerical model, based on published experimental data is described. Known empirical relations are compared with the results obtained and new methods to estimate the peak pressure in the compartment are proposed. Qualitative guidance has also been derived as a starting point to assist designers to think of solutions that enhance safety inside vehicles or buildings in the event of intentional or accidental detonations and explosions.

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