GRAVITY AND ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE SCALING EQUATIONS FOR SMALL EXPLOSION CRATERS IN SAND.

Abstract : An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of varying gravity and atmospheric pressure on the size of small explosion craters formed in cohesionless sand. The explosives used were commercially available squibs and caps and a linear detonating cord. Gravity was varied by flying the test container in an aircraft through carefully controlled maneuvers to simulate 0.17, 0.38, and 2.5 times terrestrial gravity. Atmospheric pressure was controlled separately by use of a ground-based vacuum chamber. The influence of aircraft vibrations, changes in sand density and moisture content, and techniques of measurement were all considered and evaluated. (Author)