Projectile perforation models for the vulnerability assessment of atmospheric storage tanks

Abstract

Chemical and process plants storing large quantities of hazardous materials (flammable and/or toxic) may be attractive targets of intentional malicious attacks threatening the life and health of workers and population, as well as the environment and the availability of critical infrastructures. Quantification of the vulnerability of industrial facilities against shooting attacks received scarce attention in the context of Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) or Security Risk Assessment (SRA) methodologies. Specific damage models for projectile impact on equipment items storing relevant quantities of hazardous materials are not available in the literature. The current study aims at filling this gap by reviewing a wide set of empirical and analytical perforation models and validating them against experimental data from ballistic experimental tests. According to specific statistical parameters, the most suitable perforation models were selected in order to be used in the definition of quantitative methods for the analysis of the shooting attacks to atmospheric storage equipment. The application of the selected models to the assessment of the vulnerability to perforation of steel atmospheric storage tanks showed important differences between handguns and rifles as regards the thickness that can be successfully perforated. The results allowed for the definition of inherent safety thresholds for the perforation thickness that can be used in the context of vulnerability assessment of critical assets within SVA/SRA.