The main objective of the project was to identify and analyse the impact of the blast shockwave on people and the environment following the detonation of an explosive, depending on the shape and type of charge. The results obtained provide important quantitative data for the development of risk prediction tools for explosive detonations, including IEDs. An improvised explosive device (IED - from Improvised Explosive Devices) is a so-called 'homemade' bomb, the purpose of which is to kill or injure people or cause material damage to the immediate environment. The shock wave, pressure, temperature changes and debris generated by the explosion pose a serious threat to human life and health, as well as having a destructive effect on building structures and industrial infrastructure.
The project developed a research methodology to measure accelerations at selected points on a 75 kg anthropomorphic dummy: head, pelvis, lower limbs, while measuring blast wave pressure at various distances from the detonation point. The blast wave pressure generated during the explosion of materials such as RDX and ANFO was measured.
As part of the study, 18 samples of explosives with variable geometries were detonated:
- Elongated cylinder (LK) with length (L) to diameter (D) L/D=10,
- cylindrical charge (LC) with length (L) to diameter (D) L/D=1,
- spherical charge (DC).
The developed measurement path was complemented by modern optical methods including: a high-speed Phantom v9.1 camera, high-speed video cameras to analyse the deformation of the structure subjected to shock wave action and a high-speed thermal camera. These methods allow simultaneous photographic documentation and a comprehensive approach to the analysed phenomenon.
The results show how strongly the shape of the charge affects the dynamics of the shock wave and the resulting pressure and impulse.
(2024)
