Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/11133
Title: Effects of explosions in underground magazines
Authors: United States. Department of Defense. Explosives Safety Board.
Smith, Dennis R. (Dennis Ray), 1943-
Joachim, Charles E.
Davis, Landon K.
McMahon, Gordon W.
Keywords: Ammunition
Explosives storage
Explosives safety
Underground storage
Powder magazines
Blast effects
Explosion effects
Publisher: Structures Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical report (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station) ; SL-89-15.
Description: Technical Report
Abstract: Equations were developed to predict the safe standoff distances from accidental explosions in magazines sited in rock. The ground shock threat to adjacent chambers is considered as well as the airblast which vents through the portal. The equations relate freefield motion to geometrical effects (for cylindrical chambers), explosive coupling properties of the medium, and type and quality of explosives. A dimensionless equation was developed which delineates the upper bound of external airblast pressure as a function of the exit pressure, access tunnel diameter and distance. The experimental program was conducted with a 1:75-scale model of an underground magazine which was loaded with various explosive quantities. Measurements included airblast pressure/time outside the model, strain and particle acceleration at different distances from the magazine in the simulated rock (a cement grout). Estimated particle velocities at adjacent chambers were derived from the free-field acceleration and strain data. A spall criterion was used to estimate safe separation distances to prevent sympathetic detonation in adjacent chambers. Details of the tests and data are presented.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/11133
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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