Investigation of the energy release characteristics and damage of thermobaric explosive under unconstrained conditions

Abstract

To investigate the energetic release attributes and damage potential of a specific thermobaric explosive at atmospheric pressure, we had employed a pressure testing system, high-speed camera system, and thermal imager to elucidate the impact of explosive mass on the energetic release characteristics. Our findings underscored that thermobaric explosive can significantly enhance the after-burning effect. We noted a discernible positive relationship among the magnitude of the explosive force, post-detonation combustion effects, and the inherent quality of the given explosive. In addition, the resultant overpressure from the shockwave, positive pressure-area impulse, and the duration of the positive pressure, all markedly exceeded those produced by TNT, exhibiting increases of 38.9 %, 51.48 %, and 7 %, respectively. To quantify their explosive potency, empirical formulae were derived to account for the shock wave parameters of thermobaric explosive. Under equivalent mass conditions, the peak thermal radiation flux per unit area from thermobaric explosive substantially exceeded that of TNT. When the PROBIT (probability unit) model and the overpressure-impulse criteria were utilized to ascertain the damage potential of the respective explosives on human targets and structures, it emerged that TBX imparted superior destructive effects. This analysis underpinned the foundational assessment concerning the blast hazard presented by TBX.