L-253 Instrumentation Techniques BLAST

Blast effects are part of the performance characteristics of explosive materials, usually in comparison with reference explosives like TNT. Especially for sub-detonative events, blast effects are hardly predictable without complex numerical simulations. As a result there is still a strong need for experimental measurements in vulnerability and safety tests.

Blast effects are considered to be key evidence to distinguish between an energetic material reacting in detonation mode, as opposed to a combustion or a deflagration. This is why blast measurements are systematically required for Insensitive Munition (IM) tests, as well as for some of the tests required for Hazard Classification (HC) purposes. There is however a lack of guidance in IM and HC test procedures regarding the implementation of blast instrumentation.

A review of existing instrumentation techniques for blast effects was undertaken by MSIAC. Techniques are numerous and because there is no single technique which fits all purposes, it can be difficult for an end-user to select the most appropriate one. This document provides information and guidance on how to obtain the most accurate and precise blast results, and how to select and implement the most appropriate technique for a given situation.