The Effects of Explosive Blast on Structures and Personnel

Data concerning the effects of explosive blast on humans, structures, windows, etc. are available in standard texts. However, the "non-linear" relationships among the variables make it difficult to use the data in "what if" scenarios. "Hyperbolic" equations which relate the energy of explosion (in terms of TNT equivalent), distance from the explosion, blast pressure, blast impulse and degree of injury or damage to structures are developed. These relationships may be shown as straight lines on "reciprocal-reciprocal" graph paper. Thus, correlation of blast-effects data is simplified, and fewer data points are required to characterize a damage-susceptible structure. Also, this type of graph aids inpresenting the results of evaluations of potential damage which could result from accidental explosions, such as detonation of "condensed" explosives, pressure-vessel bursting, vapor-cloud explosions, and BLEVEs. Further, such graphs are useful in evaluating plant layouts and siting.