A large scale experimental approach to the measurement of spatially and temporally localised loading from the detonation of shallow-buried explosives

A large scale experimental approach to the direct measurement of the spatial and temporal variation in loading resulting from an explosive event has been developed. The approach utilises a fixed target plate through which Hopkinson pressure bars are inserted. This technique allows the pressure-time histories for an array of bars to be generated, giving data over a large area of interest. A numerical interpolation technique has also been developed to allow for the full pressure-time history for any point on the target plate to be estimated and hence total imparted impulse to be calculated. The principles underlying the design of the experimental equipment are discussed, along with the importance of carefully controlling the explosive preparation, and the method and location of the detonation initiation. Initial results showing the key features of the loading recorded and the consistency attainable by this method are presented along with the data interpolation routines used to estimate the loading on the entire face.