Thermobaric Effects of Cast Composite Explosives of Different Charge Masses and Dimensions

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the thermobaric effect of cast composite explosives, with different masses and dimensions of the chosen explosive charges. This was done by measuring the shock wave parameters in air (maximum overpressure and pressure impulse) and quantifying the thermal effect (temperature-time dependence), at different distances from the centre of the detonation. The chosen thermobaric explosive composition, TBE-3, was characterized. Its density, detonation velocity and viscosity-time dependence were determined. Experimental samples of different masses and calibres were prepared. The shock wave parameters in air were determined in field tests, by measuring the overpressure by piezo-electric pressure transducers. The detonation and the expansion of the explosion products were filmed by a TV high-speed camera, Phantom V9. An infrared (IR) camera FLIR SC7200 was used for recording the IR scene of the explosions and for tracking the thermal effects by a thermographic technique, i.e. thermal imaging. This work is an initial step towards establishing a method for the quantification of the thermal effects of a thermobaric detonation.