Is there a difference in explosive force between successive explosions?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences in explosive force between simultaneous and successive detonations of explosive charges. Participants explore the implications of timing on the effectiveness and directionality of the shockwave produced by explosions, with a focus on applications in mining and tunneling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the overall explosive force differs between simultaneous and successive detonations, suggesting that a successive detonation may enhance the explosion's effect through a self-amplification process.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the definition of "overall explosive force" and notes that a better shockwave can be achieved with the right timing, referencing its use in tunneling and rock fracturing.
  • A third participant states that while the energy release remains the same, the directionality of the explosion can be influenced by the timing of the charges, particularly when one charge is tamped with the pressure wave from another.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the insights shared by others in the thread.
  • Another participant reiterates the idea that timing can improve shockwave directionality and draws a parallel to multi-chamber guns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of "overall explosive force" and its implications, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus on the effects of successive versus simultaneous detonations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined key terms such as "overall explosive force," and there are assumptions regarding the conditions under which the explosions occur, such as the presence of tamping materials and the specific timing of detonations.

Den Webi
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Suppose there are two explosive charges in a single casing. The detonation of the charges can be initiated either simultaneously (A) or in succession some milliseconds apart (B).

Does A differ from B in respect to the overall explosive force?
Can the shock front in B carry more energy in a certain direction?

This question arose from my friend's statement that a successive detonation improves the effect of an explosion due to some kind of self amplification process, something that I doubt.

Thank you in advance for your responses!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How do you define "overall explosive force"?
You can get a better shockwave in one direction if you fire the explosions with the right delay. This is frequently used to dig tunnels, or to fracture large areas of rock in mines.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn and Den Webi
Den Webi said:
overall explosive force?
Energy release is the same.
Den Webi said:
direction?
An ideal "free" explosion is releasing energy in a spherically symmetric manner. Bore a hole, tamp it with clay, and the "free expansion" is forced to do work. Tamp one charge with the pressure wave from another charge, and it's got something even more solid to push against while doing work.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Den Webi
Thank you MFB and Bystander!
 
mfb said:
You can get a better shockwave in one direction if you fire the explosions with the right delay. This is frequently used to dig tunnels, or to fracture large areas of rock in mines.
Also similar: multi-chamber guns.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-3_cannon
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Den Webi

Similar threads

Graduate Totally Hypothetical, probably incorrect, Shock Wave Generation Mechanism
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Potential difference between a battery's terminal and Earth ground
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
Undergrad On whether the motion of a Foucault pendulum bob is comparable to ballistics
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Unique Invention Ideas: ISSCE, AND, and Miniature Beacon
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
16K
Correct statement about force between two charges
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
2 questions: illusory "force" between hands, and "wave genetics"
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Question About "Engineered Criticality Devices" In A SciFi Scenario
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
High School Julius Caesar Problem from a SpaceTime Physics book
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
7K
Calculate pressure difference in current-carrying mercury
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K