Abstract:
The New York World Trade Center (WTC) was destroyed by a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. A three-dimensional computer simulation of the impact and collapse of the WTC North Tower has been conducted using the AUTODYN-3D computer program. The simulation process consists of calculations of initial static equilibrium, impact, fire-induced strength reduction, and ultimate progressive collapse. Advanced numerical techniques are used to expedite the computation and improve efficiency. This simulation enables us to numerically reproduce the entire event of impact and collapse of the North Tower. The extensive damage due to the initial impact is demonstrated leading to localized regions of failure in the Tower. The fuel fire further weakens the building and leads to the progressive collapse of the entire Tower. A short discussion on the prevention of catastrophic failure of high-rise buildings is presented in the conclusion of this paper.
