Test Data on the Storage of Mixed Munitions in Conex Containers
Abstract
A series of 10 tests was conducted to identify debris, fragments, and airblast hazards associated with the detonation of the explosives in Conex containers. Eight of these tests were conducted at Socorro, NM, and the last two tests were conducted at China Lake, CA. The first three and last two tests were conducted without any kind of confinement around the Conex containers. The fourth, fifth, and sixth tests were conducted by sandbagging the Conex containers on three sides. In tests 7 and 8, the containers were sandbagged on three sides, and a 12-foot sandbag wall (20-foot wall in test 8) wall was erected at a distance of 15 feet from the front side of the container. A lot of fragments were found beyond 300 feet in Tests 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 10. Only a few fragments were found beyond 300 feet in Tests 4, 5, 7, and 8. Some fragments were found beyond 600 feet in Tests 6, 9, and 10. A few metal fragments of Conex container were also found between 900 and 1,155 feet in Tests 9 and 10. The fragment density at any distance was computed on the basis of a worst-case assumption. It was assumed that any fragment found in a sector at a distance greater than x feet from the origin could hit a standing person in that sector. The fragment density was computed as the number of fragments divided by the vertical area and multiplied by 600. That gave the fragment density per 600 square feet. The fragment density, at different locations, is calculated by using 30-degree sectors. When the mean fragment density was computed, the sectors in which no fragments were found were excluded. The fragment density and distance were plotted for 25, 75, 160, and 500 lbs of explosive. For 500 lbs of explosive, the fragment density of less than one fragment per 600 square feet is at about 800 feet.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA525596
Entities
People
- William Lawrence
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory