Experimental Characterization of Cast Explosive Charges Used in Studies of Blast Effects on Structures

Structural research teams face significant challenges when conducting studies with explosives, including the costs and inherent risks associated with field detonation tests. This study presents a replicable method for loading spherical and bare TNT-based cast explosive charges, offering reduced costs and minimal risks. Over eighty TNT and Composition B charges (comprising 60% RDX, 39% TNT, and 1% wax) were prepared using spherical molds made of thin aluminum, which are low-cost, off-the-shelf solutions. The charges were bare, meaning they lacked any casing, as the molds were designed to be easily removed after casting. The resulting charges were safer due to their smaller dimensions and the absence of hazardous metallic debris. Composition B charges demonstrated promising results, with their performance characterized through blast and thermochemical experiments. Comprehensive data are provided for Composition B charges, including TNT equivalence, pressures, velocity of detonation, DSC/TGA curves at four different heating rates, activation energy, peak decomposition temperatures, X-ray analysis, and statistics on masses and densities. A comparison between detonation and deflagration processes, captured in high-speed footage, is also presented. This explosive characterization is crucial for structural teams to precisely understand the blast loads produced, ensuring a clear and accurate knowledge of the forces acting on structures.