The authors wish to thank the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory for funding the published work.

<ol>
	<li>Esparza, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blast+measurements+and+equivalency+for+spherical+charges+at+small+scaled+distances.">Blast measurements and equivalency for spherical charges at small scaled distances.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 4 (1), 23-40 (1986).</li><li>Kingery, C. N., Bulmash, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ARBRL-TR-02555.">ARBRL-TR-02555.</a> Airblast parameters from TNT spherical air burst and hemispherical surface burst. , (1984).</li><li>Hyde, D. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Conventional weapons program (ConWep). , (1991).</li><li>Randers-Pehrson, G., Bannister, K. 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Impact Eng. 37 (7), 865-877 (2010).</li><li>Pickering, E. G., Chung Kim Yuen, S., Nurick, G. N., Haw, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+response+of+quadrangular+plates+to+buried+charges.">The response of quadrangular plates to buried charges.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 49, 103-114 (2012).</li><li>Bergeron, D. M., Trembley, J. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Canadian+research+to+characterize+mine+blast+output.">Canadian research to characterize mine blast output.</a> , (2000).</li><li>Hlady, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+soil+parameters+on+landmine+blast.">Effect of soil parameters on landmine blast.</a> , (2004).</li><li>Fourney, W. L., Leiste, U., Bonenberger, R., Goodings, D. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanism+of+loading+on+plates+due+to+explosive+detonation.">Mechanism of loading on plates due to explosive detonation.</a> Int. J. on Blasting and Fragmentation. 9 (4), 205-217 (2005).</li><li>Anderson, C. E., Behner, T., Weiss, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mine+blast+loading+experiments.">Mine blast loading experiments.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 38 (8-9), 697-706 (2011).</li><li>Fox, D. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+response+of+small+scale+rigid+targets+to+shallow+buried+explosive+detonations.">The response of small scale rigid targets to shallow buried explosive detonations.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 38 (11), 882-891 (2011).</li><li>Ehrgott, J. Q., Rhett, R. G., Akers, S. A., Rickman, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+and+fabrication+of+an+impulse+measurement+device+to+quantify+the+blast+environment+from+a+near-surface+detonation+in+soil.">Design and fabrication of an impulse measurement device to quantify the blast environment from a near-surface detonation in soil.</a> Experimental Techniques. 35 (3), 51-62 (2011).</li><li>Pope, D. J., Tyas, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+hydrocode+modelling+techniques+to+predict+loading+parameters+from+free+air+hemispherical+explosive+charges.">Use of hydrocode modelling techniques to predict loading parameters from free air hemispherical explosive charges.</a> , (2002).</li><li>Clarke, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Repeatability+of+buried+charge+testing.">Repeatability of buried charge testing.</a> , (2014).</li><li>Clarke, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+large+scale+experimental+approach+to+the+measurement+of+spatially+and+temporally+localised+loading+from+the+detonation+of+shallow-buried+explosives.">A large scale experimental approach to the measurement of spatially and temporally localised loading from the detonation of shallow-buried explosives.</a> Meas Sci Technol. 26, 015001 (2015).</li><li>Hopkinson, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Method+of+Measuring+the+Pressure+Produced+in+the+Detonation+of+High+Explosives+or+by+the+Impact+of+Bullets.">A Method of Measuring the Pressure Produced in the Detonation of High Explosives or by the Impact of Bullets.</a> Philos. Trans. R. Soc. (London) A. 213, 437-456 (1914).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., Tyas, A., Fay, S. D., Clarke, S. D., Warren, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Validation+of+semi-empirical+blast+pressure+predictions+for+far+field+explosions+-+is+there+inherent+variability+in+blast+wave+parameters?.">Validation of semi-empirical blast pressure predictions for far field explosions - is there inherent variability in blast wave parameters?.</a> , (2014).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., Tyas, A., Bennett, T., Clarke, S. D., Fay, S. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+negative+phase+of+the+blast+load.">The negative phase of the blast load.</a> Int. J. of Protective Structures. 5 (1), 1-20 (2014).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., Fay, S. D., Tyas, A., Warren, J. A., Clarke, S. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Angle+of+incidence+effects+on+far-field+positive+and+negative+phase+blast+parameters.">Angle of incidence effects on far-field positive and negative phase blast parameters.</a> Int. J. of Protective Structures. 6 (1), 23-42 (2015).</li><li>Tyas, A., Warren, J., Bennett, T., Fay, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prediction+of+clearing+effects+in+far-field+blast+loading+of+finite+targets.">Prediction of clearing effects in far-field blast loading of finite targets.</a> Shock Waves. 21 (2), 111-119 (2011).</li><li>Tyas, A., Watson, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+study+of+the+effect+of+spatial+variation+of+load+in+the+pressure+bar.">A study of the effect of spatial variation of load in the pressure bar.</a> Meas Sci Technol. 11 (11), 1539-1551 (2000).</li><li>Tyas, A., Watson, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+investigation+of+frequency+domain+dispersion+correction+of+pressure+bar+signals.">An investigation of frequency domain dispersion correction of pressure bar signals.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 25 (1), 87-101 (2001).</li><li>NATO Standardisation Agency. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Procedures+for+evaluating+the+protection+level+of+logistic+and+light+armoured+vehicles.">Procedures for evaluating the protection level of logistic and light armoured vehicles.</a> Allied Engineering Publication (AEP) 55. 2, (2011).</li><li>Elgy, I. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> UK ministry of defence technical authority instructions for testing the protection level of vehicles against buried blast mines. , (2014).</li><li>Clarke, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Finite+element+simulation+of+plates+under+non-uniform+blast+loads+using+a+point-load+method:+Buried+explosives.">Finite element simulation of plates under non-uniform blast loads using a point-load method: Buried explosives.</a> , (2015).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Finite+element+simulation+of+plates+under+non-uniform+blast+loads+using+a+point-load+method:+Blast+wave+clearing.">Finite element simulation of plates under non-uniform blast loads using a point-load method: Blast wave clearing.</a> , (2015).</li><li>Hallquist, J. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> LS-DYNA theory manual. , (2006).</li><li>Fay, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Capturing+the+spatial+and+temporal+variations+in+impulse+from+shallow+buried+charges.">Capturing the spatial and temporal variations in impulse from shallow buried charges.</a> , (2013).</li><li>Fay, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measuring+the+spatial+and+temporal+pressure+variation+from+buried+charges.">Measuring the spatial and temporal pressure variation from buried charges.</a> , (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Using the protocol outlined above the authors have shown that it is possible to get high fidelity measurements of the highly varying loading from an explosive charge, using an array of Hopkinson pressure bars. Using the interpolation routine outlined the discrete pressure-time histories can be transformed into a continuous shock front which is usable directly as the loading function in numerical modelling or as validation data for the output of such models.
When using buried charges the methodology used for preparing the soil containers outlined in protocol section 5 must be checked to ensure sufficient compaction energy is provided to reach the target density. If the target density is not reached then the lift height should be reduced to increase the effectiveness of the compaction. From previous research it has been seen that uniform soil types provide more repeatable test data than tests conducted with well-graded soils15. Tests with soils at full saturation are also prepared with a slightly different methodology as outlined in the authors&#39; previous work15.
For all tests with explosive charges it has been shown in previous studies16,29,30 that the location of the detonator in near-field tests is critical to producing repeatable tests which are free from signal noise. In this respect the detonator should always be placed into the bottom of the charge (furthest from the target plate) so that any fragments from the detonating assembly will not strike the HPBs ahead of the main shock front.
Whilst every attempt is made to ensure the testing is as robust as possible, data loss does still occur. This is usually due to the strain gauges partially de-bonding from the HPBs which can be a particular problem in cold weather (the current apparatus is set up in an unheated building). Great care must also be taken when setting up the break wire as this not only allows the recording of the detonation time but also provides the signal that triggers the data recording. A loss of this signal or error in setup can cause all data from a test to be lost. In regard to data management, the data from the tests are immediately duplicated from the recording computer to a USB drive to ensure no data is lost once the testing is complete.
In the current testing the load cells attach the target plate to the rigid reaction plate and are used to measure the total impulse imparted to the target plate (as the HPBs only cover a limited area). If quantification of only the localized loading (and not global data) is required then the target plate can be mounted directly to the rigid reaction frame.
With the HPB pressure-time histories being only applicable to known points on the target plate an interpolation routine is required to evaluate the pressure-time history for any point on the target plate, and hence to calculate the total recorded impulse.
If only a single radial array has been utilized in the testing, interpolation is still possible by assuming the point HPB loadings to be indicative of the loading at any polar rotation at the same radius on the target plate. Time shifting is also required to interpolate across the discontinuous data (Figure 4A).
The main advantage of using a 2D HPB array is the ability to capture asymmetry in the pressure-time histories. This requires a more complex interpolation routine. In principal this theory can be applied to any number of radial arrays. In the current research this has been limited to four arrays (<img alt="Equation 29" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq29.jpg" />, <img alt="Equation 37" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq37.jpg" />, <img alt="Equation 30" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq30.jpg" />,<img alt="Equation 38" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq38.jpg" /> ) from 0 to 100 mm with the central HPB being common to all (Figure 5A). A total of 17 HPBs have been used in each test.
The interpolation routine in the form presented here assumes that for each pressure-time history there is a single well-defined pressure spike which corresponds with the arrival of the shock front. It can be seen in Figure 6 that for all the bars this is a good assumption. In certain test conditions however this assumption may not be valid and so thought should be given on how best to align the pressure-time histories to allow for the most representative interpolation of pressure.
Modifications can be easily made to cater for different scaled distances (Z) in the current protocol by moving the charge further away from the target plate. Care however must be taken if the scaled distance is brought down below 0.15 to ensure that the loading will not damage the face of the HPBs. The shape of explosive and explosive type may also be changed, with the caveat that the initial modelling done to validate the experimental design will have to be checked.

Characterizing the output of explosive charges has many benefits, both military (defending against buried improvised explosive devices in current conflict zones) and civilian (designing structural components). In recent times this topic has received considerable attention. Much of the knowledge gathered has aimed at the quantification of the output from charges to enable the design of more effective protective structures. The main issue here is that if the measurements made are not of high fidelity then the mechanisms of load transfer in these explosive events remain unclear. This in turn leads to problems validating numerical models which rely on these measurements for validation.
The term near-field is used to describe blasts with scaled distances, Z, less than ~1 m/kg1/3, where Z = R/W1/3, R is the distance from the center of the explosive, and W is the charge mass expressed as an equivalent mass of TNT. In this regime the loading is typically characterized by extremely high magnitude, highly spatial and temporally non-uniform loads. Robust instrumentation is hence required to measure the extreme pressures associated with near-field loading. At scaled distances Z &#60; 0.4 m/kg1/3, direct measurements of the blast parameters are either non-existent or very few1 and the semi-empirical predictive data for this range is based almost entirely on parametric studies. This involves using the semi-empirical predictions given by Kingery and Bulmash2, which is outside of the author&#39;s intended scope. Whilst tools based on these predictions3,4 allow for excellent first-order estimations of loading they do not fully capture the mechanics of near-field events, which are the focus of the current research.
Near-field blast measurements have in recent times focused on quantifying the output from buried charges. The methodologies employed vary from assessing the deformation caused to a structural target5-7 to direct global impulse measurement8-13. These methods provide valuable information for the validation of protective system designs but are not capable of fully investigating the mechanics of load transfer. Testing can be done at both laboratory scales (1/10 full scale), or at near to full scale (&#62; 1/4), with pragmatic reasons such as controlling burial depth or ensuring no inherent shape of the shock front is generated by the use of detonators rather than bare charges14. With buried charges the soil conditions need to be highly controlled to guarantee the repeatability of the testing15.
Independent of the whether the charge is placed in free air or is buried, the most fundamental issue in measuring the resulting blast is ensuring the validity of measurements made by the instrumentation deployed. In the designed test apparatus16 a fixed &#39;rigid&#39; target plate is used to shield the Hopkinson pressure bars17 (HPBs) whilst at the same time ensuring that the ends of the bars can only record the fully reflected pressures. The authors have previously shown that measurement of reflected pressure from a rigid target is more accurate and repeatable than incident, or &#39;free-field&#39; measurements18-20. The geometry of this plate is such that any pressure relief generated by clearing or flow around the target edge21 would be negligible. This new test apparatus has been constructed at 1/4 scale. At this scale tight control over the burial conditions and the explosives can be ensured, with the full scale charge size of 5 kg scaled down to 78 g, at a burial depth of 25 mm.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Load Cell</td><td>RDP</td><td>RSL0960</td><td>This is only indicative, the exact load cell should be able to resolve the required loading</td></tr><tr><td>Steel target plate / HPBs</td><td>Garratts&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td><td>Fabricated to order</td></tr><tr><td>Strain gauge</td><td>Kyowa</td><td>KSP-2-120-E4</td><td>To use with steel HPBs</td></tr><tr><td>Cyanoacrylate</td><td>Kyowa</td><td>CC-33-A</td><td>Check with manufacturer depending on mar material to be used</td></tr><tr><td>Digital Oscilloscope</td><td>TiePie</td><td>HS4 16-bit Handyscopes&amp;nbsp;</td><td>6 used in parallel in current testing</td></tr><tr><td>Leighton Buzzard sand</td><td>Garside sands</td><td>Garside 14/25</td><td>Uniform silica sand&amp;nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>

blast quantification using hopkinson pressure bars

Near-field blast load measurement presents an issue to many sensor types as they must endure very aggressive environments and be able to measure pressures up to many hundreds of megapascals. In this respect the simplicity of the Hopkinson pressure bar has a major advantage in that while the measurement end of the Hopkinson bar can endure and be exposed to harsh conditions, the strain gauge mounted to the bar can be affixed some distance away. This allows protective housings to be utilized which protect the strain gauge but do not interfere with the measurement acquisition. The use of an array of pressure bars allows the pressure-time histories at discrete known points to be measured. This article also describes the interpolation routine used to derive pressure-time histories at un-instrumented locations on the plane of interest. Currently the technique has been used to measure loading from high explosives in free air and buried shallowly in various soils.

An effectively rigid reaction frame needs to be provided. In the current testing a total imparted impulse of several hundred Newton-seconds needs to be resisted with minimal deflection. An illustration of the rigid reaction frame used is given in Figure 1. In each frame a 50 mm steel &#39;acceptor&#39; plate has been cast into the base of the cross beams. Whilst not explicitly required, this allows for easy fixing of the load cells / target plate and provides added protection to the face of the concrete beam. The closest scaled distance currently conducted has been 0.15 m/kg1/3.
The current frame has been tested up to 500 Ns, and has 500 mm square columns with a 750 mm deep, 500 mm wide beam spanning the columns as shown in shown in Figure 1A. The critical element in the design is the target plate which is 100 mm thick mild steel, this was estimated to deform 0.3 mm when resisting a 100 g spherical free air blast at 75 mm stand-off (using the LS-DYNA28 routine load_blast4). The construction of the frames was performed by a specialist concrete contractor who provided site equipment and formwork. The factors applied in the design stage very much depend upon the nature of the testing and whether any further safety factors will be applied by the structural engineer. A safety factor of 10 was used in the current work.
Indications of the equipment used have been given in the main protocol sections where appropriate. To provide representative results a single test with 17 HPBs configured in a 2D array as shown in Figure 1B was conducted. In the current work the bars utilized are 3.25 m long with a radius of 5 mm, with the strain gauge being attached 0.25 m from the loaded face as shown in Figure 3A. The spacing of the HPBs in the target was chosen to be 25 mm as shown in Figure 1B.
The test conducted used a 78 g PE4 3:1 squat cylinder buried at 28 mm in saturated Leighton Buzzard sand15. The sand had a bulk density of 1.99 Mg/m3 and moisture content of 24.77%. The stand-off between the finished soil surface and the target plate was 140 mm.
Once the test had been conducted the individual pressure-time histories were run through a simple 5 point moving average smoothing algorithm to remove any high frequency noise from the data. It was noted when collating the data that the 75 and 100 mm bars in the <img alt="Equation 32" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq32.jpg" /> array had not recorded the data properly. This was likely due to the glue of the strain gauge de-bonding from the HPB giving false readings. To compensate for this the data from the 75 and 100 mm&#160;<img alt="Equation 30" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq30.jpg" /> bars were used instead. The data from each of the 4 radial arrays are plotted in Figure 6, with the central (0 mm) HPB being common to all plots. In the saturated soil a very clear shock front is seen, with the pressure decaying slowly with radial distance.
The recorded pressure-time histories were then run through the 2D interpolation routine, with the zone of interest being set as a 200&#215;200 mm square (-100 to 100 mm). This zone was subdivided into a 5 mm grid, which was deemed fine enough to capture the shock front propagation across the target plate accurately. Plots of the interpolated pressure acting on the target plate at selected times are shown in Figure 7. The&#160;&#8776; 20 msec delay in the arrival of the shock front is the time taken for the shock wave to cover the distance between the charge and the target plate. The asymmetric nature of the loading shown in the recorded data (Figure 6) can be seen clearly in the and <img alt="Equation 32" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq32.jpg" /> axes. This is especially clear at <img alt="Equation 34" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq34.jpg" /> msec.
<img alt="Figure 6" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412fig6.jpg" /> 
Figure 6.&#160; Recorded pressure-time histories for a single test with a 2D HPB array.&#160;(A)<img alt="Equation 29" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq29.jpg" />&#160;(B)&#160;<img alt="Equation 30" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq30.jpg" />&#160;(C)<img alt="Equation 37" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq37.jpg" />&#160;(D) <img alt="Equation 38" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq38.jpg" />. This figure shows the processed trace for each bar location. The black central bar trace is common to all plots to indicate the arrival of the shock front. The non-continuous nature of the shock front is again clearly visible as there is little overlap between the peak stress zone for each bar. The lower pressure in the 25 mm <img alt="Equation 38" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq38.jpg" /> bar has an interesting effect on shape of the shock front as plotted in Figure 7. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412fig6large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 7" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412fig7.jpg" /> 
Figure 7. Interpolated pressure distribution plots at specified times16. The horseshoe shape of the shock front can be seen in the t = 0.22-0.23 plots. This is caused by the dip in pressure seen in the 25 mm <img alt="Equation 38" src="/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412eq38.jpg" /> bar shown in Figure 6. By 0.3 sec&#160;after detonation the shock front is almost symmetric along all axes. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/53412/53412fig7large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars at JoVE.com

Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars

This protocol details the use of Hopkinson pressure bars to measure reflected blast loading from near-field explosive events. It is capable of interpolating a pressure-time history at any point on a reflective boundary and as such can be used to fully characterize the spatial and temporal variations in loading produced.

Near-field blast load measurement presents an issue to many sensor types as they must endure very aggressive environments and be able to measure pressures ...

blast-quantification-using-hopkinson-pressure-bars

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8.9K Views.  University of Sheffield. This protocol details the use of Hopkinson pressure bars to measure reflected blast loading from near-field explosive events. It is capable of interpolating a pressure-time history at any point on a reflective boundary and as such can be used to fully characterize the spatial and temporal variations in loading produced.

Video: Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars

Impulsive Pressurization of Neuronal Cells for Traumatic Brain Injury Study

A novel impulsive cell pressurization experiment has been developed using a Kolsky bar device to investigate blast-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI). We demonstrate in this video article how blast TBI-relevant impulsive pressurization is applied to the neuronal cells in vitro. This is achieved by using well-controlled pressure pulse created by a specialized Kolsky bar device, with complete pressure history within the cell pressurization chamber recorded. Pressurized neuronal cells are inspected immediately after pressurization, or further incubated to examine the long-term effects of impulsive pressurization on neurite/axonal outgrowth, neuronal gene expression, apoptosis, etc. We observed that impulsive pressurization at about 2 MPa induces distinct neurite loss relative to unpressurized cells. Our technique provides a novel method to investigate the molecular/cellular mechanisms of blast TBI, via impulsive pressurization of brain cells at well-controlled pressure magnitude and duration.

A novel impulsive cell pressurization experiment has been developed using a Kolsky bar device to investigate the molecular/cellular mechanisms of blast-induced traumatic brain injury.

A novel impulsive cell pressurization experiment has been developed using a Kolsky bar device to investigate blast-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI). ...

Bioengineering

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance tests to verify theoretical calculations. For newly developed formulations, the process begins with small-scale mixes, thermal testing, and impact and friction sensitivity. Only then do subsequent larger scale formulations proceed to detonation testing, which will be covered in this paper. Recent advances in characterization techniques have led to unparalleled precision in the characterization of early-time evolution of detonations. The new technique of Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) for the measurement of detonation pressure will be shared and compared with traditional fiber-optic detonation velocity and plate-dent calculation of detonation pressure. In particular, the role of aluminum in explosive formulations will be discussed. Recent developments led to the development of explosive formulations that result in reaction of aluminum very early in the detonation product expansion. This enhanced reaction leads to changes in the detonation velocity and pressure due to reaction of the aluminum with oxygen in the expanding gas products.

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance tests to verify theoretical calculations. This paper will share typical development tests associated with the measurement of detonation velocity and detonation pressure.

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance ...

Quantification of Hydrogen Concentrations in Surface and Interface Layers and Bulk Materials through Depth Profiling with Nuclear Reaction Analysis

Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) via the resonant 1H(15N,&#945;&#947;)12C reaction is a highly effective method of depth profiling that quantitatively and non-destructively reveals the hydrogen density distribution at surfaces, at interfaces, and in the volume of solid materials with high depth resolution. The technique applies a 15N ion beam of 6.385 MeV provided by an electrostatic accelerator and specifically detects the 1H isotope in depths up to about 2 &#956;m from the target surface. Surface H coverages are measured with a sensitivity in the order of ~1013 cm-2 (~1% of a typical atomic monolayer density) and H volume concentrations with a detection limit of ~1018 cm-3 (~100 at. ppm). The near-surface depth resolution is 2-5 nm for surface-normal 15N ion incidence onto the target and can be enhanced to values below 1 nm for very flat targets by adopting a surface-grazing incidence geometry. The method is versatile and readily applied to any high vacuum compatible homogeneous material with a smooth surface (no pores). Electrically conductive targets usually tolerate the ion beam irradiation with negligible degradation. Hydrogen quantitation and correct depth analysis require knowledge of the elementary composition (besides hydrogen) and mass density of the target material. Especially in combination with ultra-high vacuum methods for in-situ target preparation and characterization, 1H(15N,&#945;&#947;)12C NRA is ideally suited for hydrogen analysis at atomically controlled surfaces and nanostructured interfaces. We exemplarily demonstrate here the application of 15N NRA at the MALT Tandem accelerator facility of the University of Tokyo to (1) quantitatively measure the surface coverage and the bulk concentration of hydrogen in the near-surface region of a H2 exposed Pd(110) single crystal, and (2) to determine the depth location and layer density of hydrogen near the interfaces of thin SiO2 films on Si(100).

We illustrate the application of 1H(15N,&#945;&#947;)12C resonant nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) to quantitatively evaluate the density of hydrogen atoms on the surface, in the volume, and at an interfacial layer of solid materials. The near-surface hydrogen depth profiling of a Pd(110) single crystal and of SiO2/Si(100) stacks is described.

Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) via the resonant 1H(15N,&#945;&#947;)12C reaction is a highly effective method of depth profiling that quantitatively and ...

A Uniaxial Compression Experiment with CO2-Bearing Coal Using a Visualized and Constant-Volume Gas-Solid Coupling Test System

Injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into a deep coal seam is of great significance for reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and increasing the recovery of coalbed methane. A visualized and constant-volume gas-solid coupling system is introduced here to investigate the influence of CO2 sorption on the physical and mechanical properties of coal. Being able to keep a constant volume and monitor the sample using a camera, this system offers the potential to improve instrument accuracy and analyze fracture evolution with a fractal geometry method. This paper provides all steps to perform a uniaxial compression experiment with a briquette sample in different CO2 pressures with the gas-solid coupling test system. A briquette, cold-pressed by raw coal and sodium humate cement, is loaded in high-pressure CO2, and its surface is monitored in real-time using a camera. However, the similarity between the briquette and the raw coal still needs improvement, and a flammable gas such as methane (CH4) cannot be injected for the test. The results show that CO2 sorption leads to peak strength and elastic modulus reduction of the briquette, and the fracture evolution of the briquette in a failure state indicates fractal characteristics. The strength, elastic modulus, and fractal dimension are all correlated with CO2 pressure but not with a linear correlation. The visualized and constant-volume gas-solid coupling test system can serve as a platform for experimental research about rock mechanics considering the multifield coupling effect.

A Uniaxial Compression Experiment with CO2-Bearing Coal Using a Visualized and Constant-Volume Gas-Solid Coupling Test System

This protocol demonstrates how to prepare a briquette sample and conduct a uniaxial compression experiment with a briquette in different CO2 pressures using a visualized and constant-volume gas-solid coupling test system. It also aims to investigate changes in terms of coal&#8217;s physical and mechanical properties induced by CO2 adsorption.

Injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into a deep coal seam is of great significance for reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and ...

Environment

A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials

This study offers a combined experimental and finite element (FE) simulation approach for examining the mechanical behavior of soft biomaterials (e.g. brain, liver, tendon, fat, etc.) when exposed to high strain rates. This study utilized a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) to generate strain rates of 100-1,500 sec-1. The SHPB employed a striker bar consisting of a viscoelastic material (polycarbonate). A sample of the biomaterial was obtained shortly postmortem and prepared for SHPB testing. The specimen was interposed between the incident and transmitted bars, and the pneumatic components of the SHPB were activated to drive the striker bar toward the incident bar. The resulting impact generated a compressive stress wave (i.e. incident wave) that traveled through the incident bar. When the compressive stress wave reached the end of the incident bar, a portion continued forward through the sample and transmitted bar (i.e. transmitted wave) while another portion reversed through the incident bar as a tensile wave (i.e. reflected wave). These waves were measured using strain gages mounted on the incident and transmitted bars. The true stress-strain behavior of the sample was determined from equations based on wave propagation and dynamic force equilibrium. The experimental stress-strain response was three dimensional in nature because the specimen bulged. As such, the hydrostatic stress (first invariant) was used to generate the stress-strain response. In order to extract the uniaxial (one-dimensional) mechanical response of the tissue, an iterative coupled optimization was performed using experimental results and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which contained an Internal State Variable (ISV) material model used for the tissue. The ISV material model used in the FE simulations of the experimental setup was iteratively calibrated (i.e. optimized) to the experimental data such that the experiment and FEA strain gage values and first invariant of stresses were in good agreement.

The current study prescribes a coupled experiment-finite element simulation methodology to obtain the uniaxial dynamic mechanical response of soft biomaterials (brain, liver, tendon, fat, etc.). The multiaxial experimental results that arose because of specimen bulging obtained from Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar testing were rendered to a uniaxial true stress-strain behavior when simulated through iterative optimization of the finite element analysis of the biomaterial.

This study offers a combined experimental and finite element (FE) simulation approach for examining the mechanical behavior of soft biomaterials (e.g. ...

Conducting Elevated Temperature Normal and Combined Pressure-Shear Plate Impact Experiments Via a Breech-end Sabot Heater System

A novel approach for conducting normal and/or combined pressure-shear plate impact experiments at test temperatures up to 1000 &#176;C is presented. The method enables elevated temperature plate-impact experiments aimed towards probing dynamic behavior of materials under thermomechanical extremes, while mitigating several special experimental challenges faced while performing similar experiments using the conventional plate impact approach. Custom adaptations are made to the breech-end of a single-stage gas-gun at Case Western Reserve University; these adaptations include a precision-machined extension piece made from SAE 4340 steel, which is strategically designed to mate the existing gun-barrel while providing a high tolerance match to the bore and keyway. The extension piece contains a vertical cylindrical heater-well, which houses a heater assembly. A resistive coil heater-head, capable of reaching temperatures of up 1200 &#176;C, is attached to a vertical stem with axial/rotational degrees of freedoms; this enables thin metal specimens held at the front-end of a heat-resistant sabot to be heated uniformly across the diameter to the desired test temperatures. By heating the flyer plate (in this case, the sample) at the breech-end of the gun-barrel instead of at the target-end, several critical experimental challenges can be averted. These include: 1) severe changes in the alignment of the target plate during heating due to the thermal expansion of the several constituents of the target holder assembly; 2) challenges that arise due to the diagnostics elements, (i.e., polymer holographic gratings, and optical probes) being too close to the heated target assembly; 3) challenges that arise for target plates with an optical window, where crucial tolerances between the sample, bond layer, and window become increasingly difficult to maintain at high temperatures; 4) in the case of combined compression-shear plate impact experiments, the need for high-temperature resistant diffraction gratings for the measurement of transverse particle velocity at the free surface of the target; and 5) limitations imposed on the impact velocity necessary for unambiguous interpretation of the measured free surface velocity versus time profile due to thermal softening and possibly yielding of the bounding target plates.By utilizing the adaptations mentioned above, we present results from a series of reverse geometry normal plate impact experiments on commercial purity aluminum at a range of sample temperatures. These experiments show decreasing particle velocities in the impacted state, which are indicative of material softening (decrease in post-yield flow stress) with increasing sample temperatures.

Here, we present a detailed protocol of a new approach for conducting elevated temperature reverse normal plate impact, and combined pressure-and-shear plate impact. The approach involves the use of a breech-end resistive coil heater to heat a sample held at the front-end of a heat-resistant sabot to the desired temperature.

A novel approach for conducting normal and/or combined pressure-shear plate impact experiments at test temperatures up to 1000 &#176;C is presented. The ...

Use of Atomic Force Microscopy to Measure Mechanical Properties and Turgor Pressure of Plant Cells and Plant Tissues

We present here the use of atomic force microscopy to indent plant tissues and recover its mechanical properties. Using two different microscopes in indentation mode, we show how to measure an elastic modulus and use it to evaluate cell wall mechanical properties. In addition, we also explain how to evaluate turgor pressure. The main advantages of atomic force microscopy are that it is non-invasive, relatively rapid (5~20 min), and that virtually any type of living plant tissue that is superficially flat can be analyzed without the need for treatment. The resolution can be very good, depending on the tip size and on the number of measurements per unit area. One limitation of this method is that it only gives direct access to the superficial cell layer.

Here, we present atomic force microscopy (AFM), operated as a nano- and micro-indentation tool on cells and tissues. The instrument allows the simultaneous acquisition of 3D surface topography of the sample and its mechanical properties, including cell wall Young's modulus as well as turgor pressure.

We present here the use of atomic force microscopy to indent plant tissues and recover its mechanical properties. Using two different microscopes in ...

Developmental Biology

A Novel In Vitro Model of Blast Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in military and civilian populations. Blast traumatic brain injury results from the detonation of explosive devices, however, the mechanisms that underlie the brain damage resulting from blast overpressure exposure are not entirely understood and are believed to be unique to this type of brain injury. Preclinical models are crucial tools that contribute to better understand blast-induced brain injury. A novel in vitro blast TBI model was developed using an open-ended shock tube to simulate real-life open-field blast waves modelled by the Friedlander waveform. C57BL/6N mouse organotypic hippocampal slice cultures were exposed to single shock waves and the development of injury was characterized up to 72 h using propidium iodide, a well-established fluorescent marker of cell damage that only penetrates cells with compromised cellular membranes. Propidium iodide fluorescence was significantly higher in the slices exposed to a blast wave when compared with sham slices throughout the duration of the protocol. The brain tissue injury is very reproducible and proportional to the peak overpressure of the shock wave applied.

A Novel In Vitro Model of Blast Traumatic Brain Injury

This paper describes a novel model of primary blast traumatic brain injury. A compressed-air driven shock tube is used to expose in vitro mouse hippocampal slice cultures to a single shock wave. This is a simple and rapid protocol generating a reproducible brain tissue injury with a high throughput.

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in military and civilian populations. Blast traumatic brain injury results from the ...

Neuroscience

Low-intensity Blast Wave Model for Preclinical Assessment of Closed-head Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rodents

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a large-scale public health problem. Mild TBI is the most prevalent form of neurotrauma and accounts for a large number of medical visits in the United States. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments available for TBI. The increased incidence of military-related, blast-induced TBI further accentuates the urgent need for effective TBI treatments. Therefore, new preclinical TBI animal models that recapitulate aspects of human blast-related TBI will greatly advance the research efforts into the neurobiological and pathophysiological processes underlying mild to moderate TBI as well as the development of novel therapeutic strategies for TBI.
Here we present a reliable, reproducible model for the investigation of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral effects of mild to moderate blast-induced TBI. We describe a step-by-step protocol for closed-head, blast-induced mild TBI in rodents using a bench-top setup consisting of a gas-driven shock tube equipped with piezoelectric pressure sensors to ensure consistent test conditions. The benefits of the setup that we have established are its relative low-cost, ease of installation, ease of use and high-throughput capacity. Further advantages of this non-invasive TBI model include the scalability of the blast peak overpressure and the generation of controlled reproducible outcomes. The reproducibility and relevance of this TBI model has been evaluated in a number of downstream applications, including neurobiological, neuropathological, neurophysiological and behavioral analyses, supporting the use of this model for the characterization of processes underlying the etiology of mild to moderate TBI.

We present here a protocol of a blast wave model for rodents to investigate neurobiological and pathophysiological effects of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. We established a gas-driven, bench-top setup equipped with pressure sensors allowing for reliable and reproducible generation of blast-induced mild to moderate traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a large-scale public health problem. Mild TBI is the most prevalent form of neurotrauma and accounts for a large number of ...

Shocktube Method to Model Highly Repetitive Low-Level Blast in Mice

Modeling Highly Repetitive Low-level Blast Exposure in Mice

Exposure to explosive blasts is a significant risk factor for brain trauma among exposed persons. Although the effects of large blasts on the brain are well understood, the effects of smaller blasts such as those that occur during military training are less understood. This small, low-level blast exposure also varies highly according to military occupation and training tempo, with some units experiencing few exposures over the course of several years whereas others experience hundreds within a few weeks. Animal models are an important tool in identifying both the injury mechanisms and long-term clinical health risks following low-level blast exposure. Models capable of recapitulating this wide range of exposures are necessary to inform acute and chronic injury outcomes across these disparate risk profiles.
Although outcomes following a few low-level blast exposures are easily modeled for mechanistic study, chronic exposures that occur over a career may be better modeled by blast injury paradigms with repeated exposures that occur frequently over weeks and months. Shown here are methods for modeling highly repetitive low-level blast exposure in mice. The procedures are based on established and widely used pneumatic shocktube models of open-field blast exposure that can be scaled to adjust the overpressure parameters and the number or interval of the exposures. These methods can then be used to either enable mechanistic investigations or recapitulate the routine blast exposures of clinical groups under study.

Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Long-Term Effects of Low-Level Blast Exposures in Mice

Presented here are methods for producing repeated low-intensity blast exposures using mice.

Exposure to explosive blasts is a significant risk factor for brain trauma among exposed persons. Although the effects of large blasts on the brain are ...

Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars

Summary

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Chapters in this video

Impulsive Pressurization of Neuronal Cells for Traumatic Brain Injury Study

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Quantification of Hydrogen Concentrations in Surface and Interface Layers and Bulk Materials through Depth Profiling with Nuclear Reaction Analysis

A Uniaxial Compression Experiment with CO₂-Bearing Coal Using a Visualized and Constant-Volume Gas-Solid Coupling Test System

A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials

Conducting Elevated Temperature Normal and Combined Pressure-Shear Plate Impact Experiments Via a Breech-end Sabot Heater System

Use of Atomic Force Microscopy to Measure Mechanical Properties and Turgor Pressure of Plant Cells and Plant Tissues

A Novel In Vitro Model of Blast Traumatic Brain Injury

Low-intensity Blast Wave Model for Preclinical Assessment of Closed-head Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rodents

Modeling Highly Repetitive Low-level Blast Exposure in Mice