Fragment Hazards from Munitions in Containers

Abstract

A series of eleven tests was conducted to identify debris, fragments, and airblast hazards associated with the detonation of the explosives in Conex containers. Many fragments were found beyond 300 ft in Test Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 11. Only a few fragments were found beyond 300 ft in Test Nos. 4, 5, 7, and 8. Some fragments were found beyond 600 ft in Test Nos. 6, 9, 10, and 11. A few metal fragments of Conex container were also found between 900 and 1,155 ft in Test Nos. 9, 10, and 11. The fragment density at different locations is calculated by using 30 deg. sectors. For 500 lb of explosive, the fragment density of less than 1 fragment per 600 sq ft is at about 800 ft. For 160 lb of explosive (sandbagged test), the fragment density of less than 1 fragment per 600 sq ft is at about 600 ft. On the other hand, the fragment density of less than 1 fragment per 600 ft for 75 lb of explosion is in between 700 and 800 ft. Comparison of sandbagger and unsandbagged test data clearly shows that sandbagging the containers does decrease the fragment density at larger distance. It also suggests that more tests may be needed for explosive weight between more than 500 lb. The test data approximately supports the existing explosive weight and distance curve.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA232496

Entities

People

  • William Lawrence

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ammunition
  • Combustion
  • Containers
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detonations
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Fragmentation Grenades
  • Grenades
  • Ground Zero
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Munitions
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Security
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.