Injuries Produced by the Propagation of Airblast Waves through Orifices

Abstract : The biological effects produced by airblast waves passing through small openings were evaluated using sheep. Specimens were oriented with their thoraces in front of circular orifices of 3.8- and 7.6-centimeters radii in the endplate of a 0.6-m diameter shocktube. Subjects were also tested in front of a D-shaped orifice, equivalent radius of 24 centimeters, in the upstream wall of a test chamber located beyond the end of a 1.8-m diameter shocktube. The animals sustained crushing type of injuries, primarily to the rib cage, lungs, and liver.