Underground Ammunition Storage Magazines: Effects of Loading Density on Dynamic Airblast Flow in Small-Scale Models

Abstract : A series of 1:20-scale model experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of loading density on the dynamic airblast flow parameters produced by spherical charge detonations in a model underground ammunition storage magazine (shotgun design). Total pressure measurements were made on the centerline of the model access tunnel using a miniaturized, probe-type, pressure gage mount. Side-on and total pressure measurements provide the data required to quantify the pressure regime at these locations within the model. Data analysis indicates that a 1 kg/m3 increase in loading density produces a corresponding 1.7 MPa increase in overpressure and a 7.2 MPa increase in total pressure within the access tunnel. An analysis is presented in this paper comparing the measured data with theoretical and hydrocode (CTH) calculations.