What is the estimated radius of a bomb explosion with 400 lb of high explosives?

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    Bomb Explosion Radius
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the radius of explosion for a bomb containing 400 lb (180 kg) of high explosives, specifically in the context of environmental engineering and potential risks associated with excavating explosive devices from the ocean floor. The inquiry includes considerations of environmental impact and safety.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) seeks to estimate the explosion radius for a bomb containing 400 lb of high explosives for an environmental engineering project.
  • Some participants question the appropriateness of the OP's question in the context of environmental engineering, suggesting it may have dangerous implications.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for the discussion to aid malicious intents, with multiple participants expressing discomfort with the topic.
  • The OP later clarifies that the inquiry relates to the risk of detonating a bomb during excavation and its potential environmental impact, particularly regarding contamination of freshwater aquifers.
  • Participants note that the type of explosive (e.g., TNT) and other factors could influence the blast radius and its effects on surrounding geological layers.
  • There is a discussion about the need for more specific information regarding the explosive and its placement relative to geological formations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express concern about the implications of the discussion, with some agreeing that the OP's intentions may be genuine while others remain uncomfortable with the topic. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of the inquiry or the methods for estimating the explosion radius.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the appropriateness of discussing bomb explosions in this context and the need for specific details about the explosive type and geological conditions to accurately estimate the blast radius.

lewdtenant
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Hi all, I'm working on a project for an Environmental Engineering class. I'm not a physicist...

I need to estimate the radius of explosion of a bomb that contains about 400 lb (180kg) of high explosives.

Any suggestions?
 
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Why do you want/need to know the radius of a bomb explosion, exactly?
 
I don't believe that question is for an Environmental Engineering class. Thread locked.

Discussions regarding dangerous activities are not generally allowed here on the PF, for obvious reasons.
 
berkeman said:
I don't believe that question is for an Environmental Engineering class. Thread locked.

Discussions regarding dangerous activities are not generally allowed here on the PF, for obvious reasons.

Well, after a very thoughtful PM from the OP, I'm unlocking this thread. The OP will post a clarification of his question to help guide the responses.
 
I am sorry, but this thread may help terrorists !
 
pixel01 said:
I am sorry, but this thread may help terrorists !

Not in the context that will be clarified by the OP, when they get a chance to log back in and add to this thread. Please stand by...
 
pixel01 said:
I am sorry, but this thread may help terrorists !

I don't understand why a terrorist would even need to control a bomb's explosion radius?
 
dst said:
I don't understand why a terrorist would even need to control a bomb's explosion radius?

Clearly, discussions regarding anything to do with terrorism are not permitted on the forums. I propose that we do as berkeman says, and await the next post from the OP.
 
dst said:
I don't understand why a terrorist would even need to control a bomb's explosion radius?

Well, it may have something with the effect radius. Moreover, when discussing, other details may burst out.
 
  • #10
dst said:
I don't understand why a terrorist would even need to control a bomb's explosion radius?
Not control...to verify. It helps in planning to know the capabilities of your weapon.

I agree with Berkeman as well. In this day and age, the OP should have presented the question better.
 
  • #11
Sorry everyone, I honestly didn't think about the ramifications of my original post. I actually agree that it was a good idea to lock this thread. Here's some more info:

There are many known instances of bombs having been jettisoned from aircraft into oceans, finally coming to rest in the sediment without exploding.

My question relates to environmental engineering in this sense. If a team were to attempt an excavation of a particular explosive device they run the risk of detonating that device.

The blast radius would be an important consideration in determining environmental damage.

My particular interest is whether or not a bomb of this size would create a blast powerful enough to displace the miocene layer above the florida regional aquifier momentarily, thus allowing fresh (drinking) water to become contaminated with sea water/sediment.

Distance between explosive device and aquifier: 75 feet
I'm not looking for an exact answer, just a rough estimate.
 
  • #12
Well it depends on the explosive doesn't it? We're obviously talking about detonants but then you have primary vs secondary explosives (any difference?). Out of my league here. Too many things to consider.
 
  • #13
My particular interest is whether or not a bomb of this size would create a blast powerful enough to displace the miocene layer above the florida regional aquifier momentarily, thus allowing fresh (drinking) water to become contaminated with sea water/sediment.
So, as I understand the problem, a device is resting on the ocean floor (sea bed) and 75 ft below is a freshwater aquifer.

And the question is whether or not an explosion would cause a rupture in that 75 ft, or at least fracture the rock?
 
  • #14
Astronuc, yes I think you've got it right.

Actually, to be more specific, there is a layer of sediment, underneath which there is 40-50 feet of "miocene clay" or rock, and then the aquifier. the device is located in the sediment.

Also, let's assume the explosive to be trinitrotoluene (TNT).
 
  • #15
don't you need to tell us how much you are putting in
 
  • #16
I guess I'm getting pretty uncomfortable again with this thread. Even if ledtenant's intentions are genuine (I think they are), a discussion like this does have some bad possible implications, along the lines of what Russ mentioned. I'm afraid I'm going to have to lock this thread again. Perhaps lesdtenant can try PM'ing Astro to handle this outside the open forums.
 

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