Energetics Residues Deposition from Training with Large Caliber Weapon Systems

Training with large caliber weapon systems will result in the deposition of energetic materials on military training ranges. Deposition can occur at several locations. These include firing points, impact points, propellant disposal areas, demolitions training ranges, and munitions disposal areas. The potential quantity, composition, and concentration of energetics in each of these areas is directly linked to the activities that occur there. During live-fire training, propellant residues are generated at firing points and propellant disposal locations. Explosives residues will be found down range in the impact area. Activities by engineers and explosive ordnance disposal units in demolitions training ranges will involve expedient demilitarization of munitions and practice conducting blow-in-place (BIP) of munitions. BIP operations may also occur on impact ranges with rounds that fail to detonate properly or do not detonate at all (dudded rounds). Munitions disposal areas are locations where damaged or outdated munitions may be destroyed on a military base. The mass of residues associated with these activities is contingent upon the efficiency of each operation. The US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory has developed methods to determine residues mass deposition rates on a per-round basis for most heavy weapon systems and activities associated with training with large caliber rounds. Research conducted since 2002 on various heavy weapon systems has given us useful insights into sources of contamination, efficiency of munitions and weapon systems, and munitions constituents that will be problematic on training ranges. This paper presents results of research for standard US weapon systems from 60-mm to 204-cm. Energetics residues deposition rates vary from 72% at the firing point for the 84mm AT-4 shoulder-fired weapon system to non-detectable residues mass at 155-mm howitzer impact points. Examples are given for various weapon systems and an example of a residues database for military training ranges is presented. This database is being used in the US to determine impacts on various training ranges and was instrumental in having one family of munitions reclassified and restricted from training range use.