Things That Go Boom: Injuries From Explosives
Abstract
Explosive agents are materials that undergo rapid exothermic reaction when appropriately stimulated. The degree to which this reaction occurs is dependent upon the characteristics of the explosive agent. Low order explosives react by rapid burning or conflagration. On the other hand, high order explosives produce extreme heat and energy and result in the formation of a pressure wave or blast wave. This supersonic, superheated wave, known as over-pressure comprises the blast front (Fig. 1). The blast wave is reflected and sustained by fixed structures and confined environments such as rooms, vehicles, etc., and may portend the effects of blast-related injury. By the same mechanism, water, which is a relatively noncompressible medium, sustains more of the energy from the blast energy and as such blast waves in water have a greater injurious effect propagated over a greater distance. The three main factors which characterize the blast wave are peak rate of pressure rise, peak pressure, and duration of the pressure rise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA627840
Entities
People
- Brian J. Eastridge
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research