On Topology Dependence of Explosive Shock Properties

When explosive material is ignited, a detonation wave is generated causing a chemical reaction to take place. This chemical reaction results in the creation of a shockwave in the air surrounding the explosive material. The properties of this shockwave are dependent upon many different variables including but not limited to the type of explosive material used, the amount of material used, the surrounding fluid and the distance that the shockwave travels from the point of ignition. One variable that is not often considered is how the topology of the explosive material may affect the properties of a shockwave. If all other properties are held constant, the shockwave created by a spherical explosive charge will have different properties from those created by a cylindrical or cubical charge. This work uniquely applies an explicit finite element approach to simulate different shapes of explosives and the effects of explosive surface topology on the ensuing shockwaves. In order to fully observe these varying shockwaves, a target wall was included in the simulations. The propagating shockwaves damage the wall on impact, while creating a series of reflective shock- and strain-waves. By thoroughly examining the damaged portions of the target wall in conjunction with wave propagation patterns, it is possible to study the strength of the shockwave and the mechanism by which the reflective waves are created. Through these investigations, shockwave pressure, velocity, patterns and shapes, as well as damage sustained by the wall will be considered. The paper will conclude how shockwave properties are influenced by the original topology of the explosive mass.