Development of HFPB Debris Throw Models for Ordnance Storage and Handling Facilities

The Phase I study will investigate the feasibility of developing High Fidelity Physics-Based (HFPB) Fast-Running Models (FRMs)for predicting the debris throw due to an explosion in a munitions storage or handling facility. The study will determine the best HFPB computer code that can be used to model: 1) ordnance explosions, 2) the generation of primary fragments, air shock and gas pressure, 3) apply the blast loads on the facility walls/roof, 4) calculate high strain rate response, 5) predict breakup, and 6)determine the mass and velocity distributions of the thrown primary fragments and secondary debris. The selected HFPB code's capabilities will then be applied to an evaluation problem consisting of a small, concrete aboveground magazine. In addition, an approach for developing FRMs from the HFPB results will be developed. BENEFITS: HFPB Fast-Running debris throw models will directly benefit the DDESB and all service branches who are involved in safely siting munitions storage and handling facilities by eventually replacing the simplified debris throw models in DDESB Technical Paper No. 13 and 14. The Air Force is also interested in HFPB debris modeling technology and/or the FRMs to determine the collateral effects of a penetrating weapon that explodes inside a target building. The debris throw models also have commercial application and will be added to ACTA's BlastPRO software (a suite of blast assessment tools running under a GIS interface) to support terrorist risk assessments performed for Homeland Security and for hazard and risk analyese due to accidental explosions at oil refineries.