Characterization of Blast Wave Parameters in the Detonation Locus and Near Field for Shaped Charges

Understanding physical phenomena such as blast shock waves produced by controlled explosions are relevant for issues appearing in the fields of military and civilian activities. The current study analyzes detonations of cylindrical and 3D cone-shaped charges through experimental trials and numerical simulations. In order to accomplish such goals, the work is divided into three sections, which include (a) numerical studies on spherical charges to define an accurate model; (b) numerical and experimental studies to assess the influence of cylindrical and 3D cone-shaped charges on incident peak pressure and the shape of shock wave propagation; and (c) numerical studies to define the magnitude of incident peak pressure as a function of orientation, L/D aspect ratio and scaled distance. Validation studies proved that the applied model was reasonably accurate. Furthermore, relevant findings included the observation that when the L/D aspect ratio decreases, more release energy is concentrated in the axial direction for a 3D cone-shaped charge, while as the aspect ratio increases, more release energy is concentrated in the radial direction for a cylindrical-shaped charge. Additionally, the blast shock wave produced a great quantity of energy for the explosive charge with the largest surface. Finally, the orientation has less influence than the L/D aspect ratio on the incident pressure contours. Therefore, cylindrical charges have the potential of inflicting great damage when used as confined charges, and 3D charges are able to cut solid materials in case of a direct contact.