Paul Nicholas Worsey

Economic and design considerations for explosive overburden casting

SummaryAn overview of economics and design consideration for explosive overburden casting is given and the criteria for the successful application of this technique are discussed. These criteria are: blast design, economic considerations and environmental considerations. Explosive overburden casting may effect considerable cost savings if the market for increased production is available. However, if a fixed sales constraint exists the economic benefits of explosive overburden casting may be marginal and an extensive economic analysis is warranted.

Rubble Pile Characterization Model

Rubble piles created following the collapse of a building in a combat situation can significantly impact mission accomplishment, particularly in the area of movement and maneuver. Rubble characteristics must be known, for example, in order to predict the ability of a vehicle to override the collateral damage from weapon effects in urban areas. Two types of models are developed: a first-order model and a first-principles-based model. In both models, we assume complete rubblization of the building and develop a rubble profile model using the size and composition of the collapsed structure to predict the rubble volume. In both cases, this profile model includes the size of the footprint area surrounding the original building assuming that the rubble is free to expand horizontally as well as the resulting height of such a rubble pile. Empirical data is now needed to verify the predictive capabilities of these models.

A multidisciplinary university research program on explosive flux compression

A 5-year DoD Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) Program devoted to the paper title was initiated on May 1, 1998. The program involves 3 universities with TTU as the lead university. The main responsibility of TTU is flux compression generator diagnostics, the power conditioning systems, and the metallurgical investigation. The actual explosive tests are done at the UMR and TAM University is investigating the conductivity of shocked gases, such as SF/sub 6/, under high Mach numbers. Internationally known consultants are employed to aid in metallurgical analysis and computer simulations. Foreign cooperation has been established with Loughborough University in the UK. This paper describes the basic research program aimed at understanding flux compression generator losses and improving the power conditioning system.