Underwater Performance Characteristics of Explosive Cutting Tape

Abstract

Explosive Cutting Tape (ECT) is a flexible linear shape charge manufactured in five different explosive loads to cut various material thicknesses. ECT was tested on the surface and at 1, 33, 66, 99 and 132 FSW to determine underwater effects. Degradation of performance for the five sizes of ECT varied from 12.4% (average) at 1 FSW to 78% (average excluding 4700 gr/ft ECT) at 132 FSW compared to surface firings. 4700 gr/ft ECT performance was degraded only 47% at 132 FSW. Although ECT does suffer a performance loss in water, its capabilities at various depths can be reliably predicted. Explosive cutting tape efficiency, versatility and ease of use by divers make it an invaluable addition in the Navy's inventory. It is highly recommended that ECT be made available to the salvage community as soon as possible. (sdw)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA227985

Entities

People

  • Garry Ashton

Organizations

  • United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Availability
  • Classification
  • Degradation
  • Detonating Cord
  • Explosive Charges
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosive Trains
  • Explosives
  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Security
  • Shaped Charges
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Thickness
  • Urban Areas

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Materials Science
  • Mathematics or Statistics