Blast Wave Propagation and the Influence of Obstacles

Abstract

Pressure characteristics of blast waves simulating unconfined gasexplosions are investigated through a series of laboratory-scale, experiments and larger scale field tests. Initially, the distance attenuation and the degree of rotational symmetry close to the source was investigated for the gas filled latex balloons used in these experiments, and for the field tests, the influence of different atmospheric conditions has primarily been established by using high-explosives detonators. The interaction between the blast wave and different boundaries and obstacles have been investigated in both laboratory-scale and field tests, and it is shown, that the influence is a very localized effect, leaving the blast wave unaffected at larger distances. The interaction with groups of building-like structures has been investigated in laboratory-scale tests, and it is shown that the pressures measured on the obstacle surfaces apparently are affected by both reflection and diffraction of the incoming blast wave. Pressure distribution and reflection factors for a single wall has been determined in the field tests, and relatively large reflected pressures have been measured. Correspondingly large pressures have been measured at certain locations at a group of buildings.