Premium
The A natomy of a P ipe B omb E xplosion: M easuring the M ass and V elocity D istributions of C ontainer F ragments
Author(s) -
Bors Dana,
Cummins Josh,
Goodpaster John
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12294
Subject(s) - fragmentation (computing) , digital video , filler (materials) , chemistry , particle size , materials science , analytical chemistry (journal) , composite material , chromatography , computer science , telecommunications , operating system , transmission (telecommunications)
Improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs are prevalent due to the availability of materials and ease of construction. However, little is known about how these devices actually explode, as few attempts to characterize fragmentation patterns have been attempted. In this study, seven devices composed of various pipe materials ( PVC , black steel, and galvanized steel) and two energetic fillers ( P yrodex and A lliant R ed D ot) were initiated and the explosions captured using high‐speed videography. The video footage was used to calculate fragment velocities, which were represented as particle velocity vector maps. In addition, the fragments were weighed. The results demonstrate a correlation between the type of energetic filler and both the size and velocity of the fragments. Larger fragments were produced by P yrodex filler indicating a less complete fragmentation, compared with smaller fragments produced by double‐base smokeless powder. Additionally, higher fragment velocities were seen with A lliant R ed D ot filler.