Department
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Major
Nuclear Engineering
Research Advisor
Douglas, Alexander
Johnson, Catherine E.
Advisor's Department
Mining Engineering
Second Advisor's Department
Mining Engineering
Funding Source
Energetics Research Lab - Missouri Science and Technology
Abstract
TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests were performed: 1) a plate dent test for direct dent comparison, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, and 3) velocity of detonation test.The data collection methods were validated by also testing commonly published explosive equivalencies, namely Composition B. New values for Helix, Texpak, Tannerite, dynamite, and Kinepak were determined. This research produced TNT equivalency values for commonly used explosives and provided recommendations for an inexpensive and repeatable method of determining TNT equivalence. These results aim to provide helpful insight for law enforcement and the military into the effects of different energetic materials. Standardizing these TNT equivalency values for energetic materials will ensure safe procedures that mitigate the potential risks and blast damage for the military and law enforcement when handling, storing, or detonating explosives.
Biography
Gracie May James is a junior at Missouri S& T who is majoring in nuclear engineering and minoring in explosives engineering. She helps conduct research for the explosive engineering department under Dr. Catherine Johnson.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Engineering Poster Session - Second Place
Location
Innovation Forum - 1st Floor Innovation Lab
Presentation Date
10 April 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Included in
TNT Equivalence: Measuring, Validating, and Appending Binary Energetics to the Literature
Innovation Forum - 1st Floor Innovation Lab
TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests were performed: 1) a plate dent test for direct dent comparison, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, and 3) velocity of detonation test.The data collection methods were validated by also testing commonly published explosive equivalencies, namely Composition B. New values for Helix, Texpak, Tannerite, dynamite, and Kinepak were determined. This research produced TNT equivalency values for commonly used explosives and provided recommendations for an inexpensive and repeatable method of determining TNT equivalence. These results aim to provide helpful insight for law enforcement and the military into the effects of different energetic materials. Standardizing these TNT equivalency values for energetic materials will ensure safe procedures that mitigate the potential risks and blast damage for the military and law enforcement when handling, storing, or detonating explosives.
