Principles of Explosive

Engineering
ENGR. MUHAMMAD ADIL
Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
What is Explosive !

 An Explosive is any chemical compound mixture, or device, the primary objective

of which is to function by explosion. Or

 An explosive material, also called explosive, is a reactive substance that contains

a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released
suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and
pressure.
(This potential energy stored in an explosive material may be chemical energy ,
pressurized gas or nuclear energy)
What is Explosive !

 The explosive material consists of chemical compound or mixture , which when

subjected to sudden shock (mechanical or thermal) get oxidized and releases huge
amount of energy in an extremely brief period which is observed in the form of an
explosion.
Terminologies

 Terms used in explosives and blasting

History of Explosives

 The most primitive explosive known to mankind is supposed to be gun powder.

 The Chinese invented it around A.D. 1250 and also Arab and Hindus had its
knowledge. The earliest explosive consisted of charcoal, Sulphur , A.D. 1230-
1250 Gunpowder known and used by Chinese Arabs and Hindus.
 1267 Black powder described by Roger Bacon.
 1425 Granulated gunpowder
 1604 Development of ordnance and firearms,
 1771 Picric acid used as dye, but its explosive properties not discovered until
1805 and not used until 1885. and nitrate of either sodium or potassium.
History of Explosives

 1831 ‘Safety fuse’ with waterproof cover introduced.

 1836 Percussion cap and firing pin gun invented.
 1845 Discovery of nitrocellulose by Schoenbein.
 1846 Preparation of nitroglycerine by Sobrero.
 1869 Improved Dynamite , nitroglycerine with wood flour, nitrate and wax
Properties of Explosives

 Velocity of Detonation (VOD): VOD is the speed at which the detonation travels
through the explosive.
 Strength: Strength of an explosive is in most cases expressed as a percentage of
the strength of blasting gelatin.
 Weight Strength: it denotes the strength of any weight of an explosive compared with
the same weight of blasting gelatin.
 Volume Strength: It denotes the comparison of any volume of an explosive with the
same volume of blasting gelatin.
Properties of Explosives

 To measure strength of an explosive, different tests can be carried out:

 Lead Block Test: It is the oldest test method. A small amount of explosive is detonated
in a hole in a lead block. By measuring the volume of the cavity produced by the
detonation, an indication of the blasting effect can be obtained.
 Ballistic Mortar Test: A small amount of explosives detonated in a steel cylinder
which is fixed to a pendulum. The pendulum will swing away from the detonation and
the deflection angle of the swing indicates the blasting effect.
 Bubble Energy Test: By detonating an amount of explosive under water and
measuring the shock energy and the bubble energy, the strength of the explosive can be
calculated.
Properties of Explosives

 Detonation Stability: It means the detonation goes through the entire explosives
column.
 Sensitiveness: Sensitiveness or propagation ability is expressed in the length of the air
gap over which the donor cartridge of an explosive will detonate a receptor cartridge
under unconfined conditions.
 Sensitivity: Explosives susceptibility to detonation upon receiving an external impulse
such as flame or friction. OR the minimum energy needed to initiate the explosive.
 Density: Density of explosive is its specific weight expressed as kg per liter or grams
per ccm. The density determines the charge concertation in the blast hole.
Density is an important consideration when choosing an explosive. For difficult blasting
conditions or where fine fragmentation is required, a dense explosive is usually necessary. In
easily fragmented rock or where fine fragmentation is not needed, a low-density explosive will
often suffice.
Properties of Explosives

 Water Resistance: An explosive's water resistance is a measure of its ability to

with stand exposure to water without deteriorating or losing sensitivity. Gelatins
and emulsions offer the best water resistance.
 Explosives which have no inherent water resistance properties can be used in water
filled blastholes if proper packaging material, such as plastic bags are used.
 Emulite has excellent water resistance properties. Dynamex can with stand water
pressure for one week and Dynamex M for 24 hours.
 Safety in Handling is the utmost importance as the transportation and usage of an
explosive should be carried out without any risk for the personnel involved.
Before approval of an explosive it is extensively tested.
Properties of Explosives

 The Environmental Properties are more and more taken into consideration. The
aim is to minimize the toxic fumes and such negative side-effects as headache and
skin irritation when handling nitroglycerin explosives.
 Resistance to Freezing is important in areas where the temperature falls below
zero degree centigrade. Dynamites and watergels become stiffer in low
temperature and lose their good tamping characteristics while emulsion explosives
retain their excellent tamping characteristics even at the lowest temperatures.
Properties of Explosives

 The Oxygen Balance must be considered in underground applications. An excess

of oxygen in the explosives can form nitrogen oxides and a deficit of oxygen will
form carbon monoxide
 The Shelf Life of the explosive is very important as the explosive frequently has
to be kept for a long time in storage, often under unfavorable conditions.
 Storage temperatures around +32 should be avoided.
 ANFO is sensitive to humidity and cakes easily when stored under such conditions