Investigation of energetic particle distribution from high-order detonations of munitions

Military training with munitions containing explosives will result in the deposition of energetic materials on ranges. These residues contain compounds that may result in human health impacts when off-range migration occurs. Models exist that predict the spatial and mass distribution of particles, but they have proven to be difficult to apply to detonating munitions. We have conducted a series of tests to determine if modelling results can be directly applied to simple detonation scenarios. We also command detonated several rounds to obtain an initial indication of high-order detonation particle distributional heterogeneity. The detonation tests indicate that particle distributions will be quite heterogeneous and that the model used did not adequately describe the distribution of detonation residues. This research will need to be expanded to build an empirical database sufficient to enable the refinement of existing models and improve their predictions. Research on low-order detonations should be conducted as low-order detonations will result in higher mass deposition than high-order detonations. Distribution models verified with empirical data may then be incorporated into range management models.