Applications of Explosives

R.N. Orava and R.H. Wittman, Techniques for the Control and Application of Explosive Shock Waves, in Proc. 5th Int. Conf. on High Energy Fabrication, University of Denver, Denver, 1975, p. 1. 

Thomas, G. O. 1998. Explosion Arrester Testing State of the Draft European Standard. Paper presented at the 3rd Worldwide Seminar on Explosion Phenomena and Application of Explosion Protection Techniques m Practice, February 8-12, 1998, Europex, Ghent, Belgium. 

The maximum potential power of an explosive can be calculated, or it can be measured by techniques such as those developed by Cook. A typical method consists of firing the explosive under water and measuring the energy liberated in the various forms, such as shock wave in the water, the work of expansion of the gas bubble, etc. These figures have limited practical value as the methods of application of explosives are of low and variable efficiency. A more practical measurement of strength can be obtained by the measurement of cratering efficiency. This, again, demands considerable expense and also requires the availability of uniform rock. 

There are many miscellaneous applications of explosives which may be mentioned but which do not merit individual description. Such uses are those in agriculture, in the preparation of ditches, the diversion of streams, removal of tree stumps, and the breaking up of subsoil. Demolition of old buildings and chimneys is readily carried out. Underwater wrecks may also be broken up for disposal by special application of explosive charges. 

Many other applications of explosives could be described, but the ones... 

More important, however, is to consider the contributions—good and bad—which explosives have made to the history of mankind. Any real assessment of this must show that the benefits which explosives have produced far outweigh their misuse in military pursuits. The explosives technologist, who has usually seen and perhaps even experienced the effects of explosives, is the last to want war or to want his products to be used for warlike purposes. It is no accident that Nobel, who founded the modern explosives industry, also founded the Peace Prize associated with his name. In this book the writer has followed his instincts and given pride of place to commercial, beneficial applications of explosives. 

Find out which Canadian companies employ chemists who specialize in safe applications of explosives. Contact those companies for more information. 

H.P. Tardif, Materials in Design Engineering 49, No 2, 82—7(1959) (A roundup of present applications of explosives to form, fasten, engrave test)... 

Today, the variety and number of explosives for various applications have become innumerable and this section describes the overwhelming role played by explosives in the progress and prosperity of humanity. A critical assessment of this comprehensive coverage of applications of explosives indicates that the benefits which accrue on account of the use of explosives outweigh their misuse in military pursuits. Two very important quotations regarding the use of explosives are relevant in this context. 

Explosives are now widely employed for (i) military applications (ii) commercial applications (iii) space applications (iv) nuclear applications and (v) miscellaneous applications. Military and commercial applications of explosives have been discussed in detail by Dr. Fordham [100] and only salient features are given here. 

In addition to applications of explosives for military, commercial, space and nuclear weapons, they are also reported to play an important role in the following fields. 

Similar to the applications of explosives in mining, quarrying and construction work, explosives have a definite place in agriculture. As a power source, they enable... 

Explosives with improved high-temperature properties are usually termed heat-resistant or thermally stable explosives [23-25]. Some specific applications of explosives for drilling deep oil-wells, space exploration etc., demand heat-... 

Among various applications of explosives to engineering work such as tunnel and road building, water front, harbour and river regulation etc., explosive working of metals was recently added to the list of peaceful uses of explosives [97]. 

Applications of Explosives for Non-Explosive Purposes. See Explosives, Applications of Non-Explosive Nature... 

The applicability of explosive matrials for metal forming have been studied with three different objectives in view sheet forming and matrix forming of flat items by pressure impact metal plating surface hardening of manganese hard steel. 

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