Experimental Study of Blast Mitigation in a Water Mist

Abstract : This report presents results of experiments on the mitigation of explosive blast using water mist. Water mists in the present study were produced by nozzles distributed around a test arena. Tests were conducted using different water mist sizes and nozzle arrangements to evaluate blast mitigation effects for in-air bare explosive charges as well as charges submerged in water and glycerine. The effects on blast wave pressure results due to the experimental blast pressure gauge mounting and set-up, as well as due to the effects of confinement in the test area, are analysed and discussed. Blast attenuation was evaluated using the CTH hydrocode and concluded that the phase transformation and mitigate liquid breakdown mechanism, under expansion by the blast products, must be considered in order to model blast mitigation adequately and to accurately evaluate mitigation effects at large stand-off distances.