STEEL CUTTING WITH HIGH-EXPLOSIVE CHARGES
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0479244
Entities
People
- James A. Dennis
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratory