Abstract: A method includes determining a perforation tunnel geometry of a perforation tunnel in a solid sample, the perforation tunnel created by activating a shaped charge in proximity to the solid sample. The method also includes performing a first flow test on the solid sample and creating an analog aperture having an aperture geometry in a solid sample analog of the solid sample, wherein the aperture geometry and the perforation tunnel geometry satisfies a similarity threshold. The method also includes performing a second flow test on the solid sample analog and determining a shaped charge effect based on a comparison between a second flow test result and a first flow test result.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for triggering electrical arcs are disclosed. Such arcs are useful for testing combustible fluids and equipment operating near ignition hazards. Arcs may be produced with a defined energy at a defined time with little variation in arc energy. Consistent production of arcs is facilitated by one or more of conditioned electrodes, control and/or reduction of parasitic capacitance, avoidance of corona sources, and non-interfering arc triggers. Electrodes may be conditioned by repeated application of conditioning arcs. Conditioned electrodes have relatively physically consistent and chemically consistent tips. Arc triggers may be charged particle sources such as light sources operating in cooperation with a target to produce free electrons proximate the electrodes.

Abstract: A water air-bubble fragment recovery test apparatus that facilitates accurate assessment of fragmentation characteristics and lethality that are normally detonated in air. An airtight, waterproof plastic container encloses a test warhead; the plastic container may then also be filled with a gas or just with air. The container is then embedded in a water-gas-bubble mixture found in a water tank, for the warhead to be detonated therein, and the fragments to then be later recovered.

Abstract: A test assembly for building a safety profile and a sensitivity profile of an explosive, by impacting the test assembly with a projectile. The safety profile of the explosive is built by determining a detonation threshold of the explosive in reaction to the projectile. The sensitivity profile is built by measuring a pressure difference between pressures acquired by the top sensor and the bottom sensor, resulting from a shock wave that travels through the explosive.

Abstract: An improved test setup facility, referred to as a “Quick Development Cell” (QDC), which allows for rapid turnaround testing with valuable feedback to a design engineer. Because the QDC allows for quick and efficient testing at a sufficient frequency, QDC tests are compatible with production quality control. In addition to fostering improvement of the API's Section 2 type tests using stressed natural rock for benchmark experiments, the QDC tests allow for progress to be made towards the development of a flow-optimized shape charge and superior well performance.

Abstract: A test chamber (1) for explosion resistant products consists of a container open on one side and comprising connecting means (2) suitable to allow to air-tightly assemble an explosion resistant product (3) on said open side, the test chamber (1) further comprising a plurality of side walls (4), a floor (5) and a ceiling (6) so configured as to withstand the explosions occurring therein without being deformed. At least one among said side walls (4), floor (5) and ceiling (6) comprises a plurality of selectively removable portions (9) suitable to put into communication the inner volume of the chamber (1) with the external environment surrounding it.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for evaluating energetic materials for ignitability, flamespread, pressure and thermal characteristics, energetic material interaction, and other properties. The invention is directed to an apparatus for analyzing the suitability of energetic materials for interactions with other energetic materials, explosive or non-explosive. The invention includes a vented combustion chamber, an ignition tube and a firing mechanism. The invention also includes methods for using the apparatus. For example, the apparatus of the invention may be used to analyze energetic materials for their use in destroying rubble which may contain explosive material.

Abstract: A propellant ignition testing apparatus having a compressively sealable chamber. A fixed end plate assembly is fixedly mounted on a support structure. A test chamber assembly having a combustion chamber for accommodating propellant is provided, and an initiator ignites propellant accommodated in the combustion chamber. A moveable end plate is disposed adjacent to the test chamber assembly on a side thereof remote from the fixed end plate assembly. A device is mounted on the support structure for generating a compressive force, with the moveable end plate being operatively connected to a moveable component of the device for moving the moveable end plate toward the test chamber assembly for sandwiching the combustion chamber of the test chamber assembly in a compressively sealed manner between the fixed end plate assembly and the moveable end plate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve durability of a pressure vessel for blasting an article to be treated such as hazardous substance or explosive therein. The pressure vessel 10, means for achieving the object, has an external vessel 31 and an internal vessel 32 installed in the external vessel 31. The external vessel 31 has a strength for retaining pressure caused by blasting the article. The internal vessel 32 receives fragments of the treated article 100 to protect the external vessel 31 against the fragments. The internal vessel 32 preferably covers almost entire internal surface of the external vessel 31.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: A propellant ignition testing apparatus having a compressively sealable chamber. A fixed end plate assembly is fixedly mounted on a support structure. A test chamber assembly having a combustion chamber for accommodating propellant is provided, and an initiator ignites propellant accommodated in the combustion chamber. A moveable end plate is disposed adjacent to the test chamber assembly on a side thereof remote from the fixed end plate assembly. A device is mounted on the support structure for generating a compressive force, with the moveable end plate being operatively connected to a moveable component of the device for moving the moveable end plate toward the test chamber assembly for sandwiching the combustion chamber of the test chamber assembly in a compressively sealed manner between the fixed end plate assembly and the moveable end plate.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: An improved test setup facility, referred to as a “Quick Development Cell” (QDC), which allows for rapid turnaround testing with valuable feedback to a design engineer. Because the QDC allows for quick and efficient testing at a sufficient frequency, QDC tests are compatible with production quality control. In addition to fostering improvement of the API's Section 2 type tests using stressed natural rock for benchmark experiments, the QDC tests allow for progress to be made towards the development of a flow-optimized shape charge and superior well performance.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for a solid propellant, comprising a combustion chamber for the solid propellant, an igniter for igniting propellant in the combustion chamber, and an exhaust housing having a primary exhaust channel extending from the combustion chamber to an exit nozzle. A supplemental exhaust channel is connected to the primary exhaust channel, and a valve controls the size of the supplemental exhaust channel to selectively vary the flow of propellant gases therethrough, thereby to selectively vary the combustion chamber pressure to enable the testing of the burning characteristics of the propellant over a wide pressure range independent of the burning surface area of the propellant. In a further embodiment, an auxiliary exhaust channel closed by a burst disk is connected to the primary exhaust channel.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter performance test apparatus and procedure comprises a plurality of test coupons, preferably fabricated from a pipe wall section of the test subject. The coupons are configured with a height greater than the axial length of the shaped charge device and a width greater than the nine wall thickness. These coupons are secured around a circular perimeter with the width plane radiating from the perimeter and the thickness edges in parallel alignment. The circular perimeter diameter corresponds to the shaped charge diameter. A shaped charge cutter is centrally positioned within the coupon encirclement and discharged. Penetration of the cutter plasma into the coupons is measured directly. In variation, the entire assembly is encased, subjected to hydraulic pressure corresponding to a desired well depth and discharged.

Abstract: A description is given of an electronic device for use in regions subject to explosion hazards, which is small and light, can be produced cost-effectively and offers a high degree of flexibility, having a housing (1) with a connecting chamber (3), which is designed in accordance with the safety class Ex-d or Ex-e, in which there is arranged a connecting element (6) to which electric lines can be connected, and in which there is arranged a circuit (9) for limiting a current, a voltage and a power which are fed to the device via the lines during operation, the limitation being performed in accordance with the requirements of safety class Ex-i, and having an electronics chamber (4), in which there is arranged an electronic system (11) designed in accordance with the safety class Ex-i, and which can be opened, in which housing (1) the connecting chamber (3) and the electronics chamber (4) are mutually separated, and a pressure-proof electric bushing (10) is provided through which at least one output line of the c

Abstract: A reusable small-scale explosive testing apparatus has a structural member with a curved internal chamber, a head piece that inserts into the chamber, a cap to hold the head piece, a pressure-time gage, water to fill the chamber and a pressure release mechanism. The apparatus is used to test small amounts of explosive.