<title>Indoor detonations: visualization and pressure measurements in small-scale models</title>

Abstract

Indoor detonations in buildings with several linked rooms present an important and complex problenL Experimental StudieS in small-Scale models using Nitropenta charges of O.5-g have been performed to obtain a database for indoor detonations in a multi-chamber system. Floor and ceiling of the model consist of a transparent materiaL This made it possible to visualize the flow field inside the structureS Pressure gages were installed in all rooms.The paper discusses the influence of the charge position as well as effects of venting holes in the detonation chamber. It also focuses on characteristics of the energy release and the related pressure effects if the system contains an inflammable material and the detonation provides mixing with air and initiates combustion.

Laboratory scale tests for the assessment of solid explosive blast effects. Part I: Free-field test campaign

“…This method has been used by various authors in order to assess the pressure evolution in time and space in the context of indoor detonations in a multi-chamber building (Reichenbach & Neuwald, 2001) (Germany, 2001), to assess the vulnerability of structures and humans to blast (Ripley et al, 2004) (Canada, 2004) (Miura et al, 2004) (Japan, 2004). Paper (Reichenbach & Neuwald, 2001) notably shows how the blast waves may be visualized by the use of particular optical techniques well adapted to small-scaled models using Nitropenta charges of 0.5 g. Paper (Ripley et al, 2004) reports how the consequences of an explosive blast in urban scenarios have been predicted by numerical modelling, based on scaled geometries experiments and the detonation of 50 g C4 charges; whereas paper (Miura et al, 2004) presents an optical set-up carried out to measure pressure and to observe wave propagation when an explosion of 10 mg silver azide cylinder-shaped charge occurs in a modelled nuclear facility. Also in the field of small-scale experiments, the work by Brossard et al (1988 illustrates how gaseous detonation effects may also be investigated at reduced scale.…”

Laboratory scale tests for the assessment of solid explosive blast effects

“…This method has been used by various authors in order to assess the pressure evolution in time and space in the context of indoor detonations in a multi-chamber building [1] (Germany, 2001), to assess the vulnerability of structures and humans to blast ( [2] (Canada, 2004), [3] (Japan, 2004)). Paper [1] notably shows how the blast waves may be visualized by use of particular optical techniques well adapted to small-scaled models using Nitropenta charges of 0.5 g. Paper [2] reports how the consequences of an explosive blast in urban scenarios have been predicted by modelling, based on scaled geometries experiments and the detonation of 50 g C4 charges; whereas paper [3] presents an optical set-up carried out to measure pressure and to observe wave propagation when an explosion of a 10 mg silver azide cylinder-shaped charge occurs in a modelled nuclear facility. Also, in the field of small scale experiments, the work by Brossard and co-workers [6] ( France, 1980France, -2006 illustrates how gaseous detonation effects may also be investigated at reduced scale.…”