On scaling dimensions of craters produced by buried explosives

The question of the proper scaling of crater dimensions resulting from buried explosives is investigated. Four different scaling rules are derived from dimensional analyses. Data are reviewed in an attempt to distinguish which scaling rules are fundamental to cratering. Inability to perform cratering experiments with similitude apparently is one reason for the lack of an unambiguous answer to the scaling question. Influences of possible sources of similarity violation are qualitatively examined, and some experiments are suggested which may provide more direct information about the correct scaling of crater dimensions.