Shallow Underground Tunnel/Chamber Explosion Test Program Summary Report

Abstract : The Shallow Underground Tunnel/Chamber Explosion Test Program was a large-scale test simulating an accidental explosion in a shallow underground magazine. The purpose of the test was to record the nature and extent of hazardous effects produced by the explosion. The program was divided into four study areas; tunnel/chamber pressure, external airblast, external ground motion, and ejecta/debris. The tunnel/chamber pressure measurements provided data on the internal explosion environment and the exit pressure at the access tunnel portal. The external airblast measurements established the airblast hazard ranges from the tunnel portal. Ground motion and artificial debris measurements furnished data on hazard ranges for ejecta produced by rupture of the chamber overburden, and for debris blown from the tunnel portal. An analysis of the data was presented comparing the results to current hazard range criteria specified in the DOD and NATO manuals for ammunition and explosives safety.