Can you use these equations to calculate explosion overpressure?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the use of equations to calculate the overpressure of a blast wave resulting from explosive energy and distance. Dr. Jorge S. Diaz presents a method for modeling blast wave movement, prompting inquiries about the applicability of these equations for overpressure calculations. Participants suggest consulting established literature, specifically referencing a 1967 report from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, which includes relevant equations and figures. The consensus emphasizes leveraging existing empirical data rather than attempting complex calculations independently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of differential equations, particularly ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs).
  • Familiarity with blast wave dynamics and the physics of explosions.
  • Knowledge of empirical modeling techniques in physics.
  • Access to historical reports on blast effects, such as those from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the 1967 report "Scaling the effects of air blast" from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab for empirical equations and data.
  • Study the principles of blast wave propagation and overpressure calculations in explosive engineering.
  • Learn about the application of empirical models in physics and engineering contexts.
  • Explore advanced differential equations techniques to enhance understanding of PDEs related to blast wave modeling.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and researchers involved in explosive dynamics, blast wave analysis, and safety assessments in explosive environments will benefit from this discussion.

Ax_xiom
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TL;DR
An idiot that shouldn't be doing graduate level maths attempts to do it to calculate a blast wave
So in this video Dr Jorge S. Diaz walks through a way to model the movement of a blast wave (with an explanation that I don't fully follow because I'm an idiot) and I'm wondering if it's possible to use the same equations to calculate the overpressure of a blast wave from a given explosive energy and distance (and vice versa)

Just as an heads up I've only done a bit of differential equations, I can interpete and solve basic ODEs and barely interprete PDEs but can't really solve them.
 
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Can you transcribe the problem and equations here, so every PF user doesn't have to go scan an hour long Youtube video to get up-to-speed?
 
Sorry
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So he uses these equations to get a formula that describes the movement of a blast wave in respects to time. I'm wondering if it's possible to do the same with overpressure in respects to distance
 
Ax_xiom said:
I'm wondering if it's possible to use the same equations to calculate the overpressure of a blast wave from a given explosive energy and distance (and vice versa)
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel by performing calculations, you can easily answer this question by consulting the literature. For example, take a look at eq.(2) and fig. 2 in this 1967 report from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab: Scaling the effects of air blast...
 
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renormalize said:
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel by performing calculations, you can easily answer this question by consulting the literature. For example, take a look at eq.(2) and fig. 2 in this 1967 report from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab: Scaling the effects of air blast...
This seems like interesting, I would have prefered to have a proper solution that wasn't an empirical equation but beggars can't be choosers (I don't know how to do the maths to do it myself)
 

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