Blast Operational Overpressure Model (BOOM): An Airblast Prediction Method

Abstract

Airblast predictions and measurements are needed for high-explosive test programs. Airblast predictions using the Blast Operational Overpressure Model (BOOM) are validated with far-field measurements. The BOOM incorporates a single function, rather than computer-intensive ray tracing methods, to account for atmospheric refractive effects on airblast propagation. This makes the BOOM particularly suitable for field work at remote sites where there is no access to mainframe computers. Airblast measurements from conventional weapon detonations validated, with slight modifications, the technique. Additionally, a method to predict the airblast emanating from beneath a soil overburden has been developed. The method is based upon the mass of overburden covering the explosives. A listing is included of the BOOM computer program written in BASIC programming language to run on a portable microcomputer. Keywords: Atmospheric effects on sound wave propagation, Far field airblast propagation, Overpressure prediction model, Airblast, Bomb damage, Sound transmission prediction, Atmospheric density, Atmospheric refraction, Atmospheric sounding, Atmospheric temperature, Explosion effects, Mathematical models, Meteorological phenomena, Overpressure, Predictions, Surface burst, Underground explosions, Wave propagation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA182025

Entities

People

  • Donald A. Douglas

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Atmospheric Temperature
  • Basic Programming Language
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Explosion Effects
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Far Field
  • Mainframe Computers
  • Measurement
  • Meteorological Phenomena
  • Meteorology
  • Ray Tracing
  • Wave Propagation
  • Wind Velocity

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Explosive Engineering.