STEEL CUTTING WITH HIGH-EXPLOSIVE CHARGES

Abstract

Abstract : New techniques for explosive demolition of structural steel shapes were developed and evaluated in connection with the examination of current U. S. Army methods of steel cutting with high-explosive charges. The report concludes: (1) both charge width and charge thickness have significant effects on the steel-cutting efficiency of contact explosive charges; (2) the point of charge initiation does not significantly affect the shattering power of contact explosive charges on steel; (3) a 3:1 ratio of charge width to charge thickness is optimum for contact explosive charges calculated to cut structural steel in thicknesses of 3 inches or less; (4) the formula C sub T = 1/2 S sub T C sub W = 3 C sub T is more accurate and efficient than the U. S. Army formula P = 3/8A/1. 34 for calculation of contact charges of Composition C-4, paste, and EL506A-5 Detasheet explosives to cut structural steel; (5) composition C-4, paste, and EL506A-5 Detasheet explosives were equally effective as contact charges for cutting structural steel; because of its variable density, paste explosive was less effective than Composition C-4 explosive for cutting round steel bars.