Prediction of peak particle velocity and peak air pressure generated by buried explosion

Summary

Three sets of different formulae expressed as functions of dynamic elastic constants of rock and some design parameters involved in a buried explosion are derived explicitly for the prediction of peak particle velocity (PPV) and peak air pressure (PAP). Separate equations are derived to estimate PPV and PAP for inside, outside, and at the boundary of the crater zone. The equations incorporate the physical parameters including (i) longitudinal wave velocity, (ii) shear wave velocity, (iii) density of rock, (iv) characteristic impedance of air, (v) detonation pressure of explosive, (vi) depth of hole, (vii) radius of hole, (viii) distance of the measuring transducer. Suggested equations are tested for a few hard and medium-hard rocks. Characteristic features and important conclusions are described.