Explosives Applications

The Explosives Applications Group performs science and technology in support of private industry and other government departments. Examples of such work include development of containers for the RCMP Bomb Disposal Unit, development of tests to evaluate the performance of bomb suits, design and prototyping of fireworks mortars, and design and installation of robot-controlled energetic material processes.

CERL serves as the main scientific resource for the Chief Inspector of Explosives (CIE). In support of explosives regulations, the Explosives Applications has tested barriers designed to separate detonators from explosives which led to the development of the Schedule IV Container for transport. In the field of fireworks, hundreds of mortars have been tested to rate them for safety, based on their fragmentation and fragmentation, and throw distance. Recently, mortar racks have been evaluated to assess their safety in the event of a violent in-mortar explosion. The process within a perforating gun shop was analyzed to determine the hazards associated with the loading and storage areas. In addition, accident research and simulations are performed with energetic material amounts ranging from a few grams to 20,000 kg.

At CERL, we conduct research into the interaction of blast waves with structures in order to establish the blast resistance of materials, to predict damage and to devise ways to mitigate the destructive effects. Our research also includes the damage resulting from explosive effects other than blast, such as fireball, fragments, ground motion, and cratering. More recently, a study on the blast response of window anchors was completed, as was the development of a Rapid Screening software Tool (RST) designed to quickly rate the vulnerability of buildings to explosive attacks.

Due to the high cost of field testing involving large quantities of explosives, we conduct small-scale testing, at CERL. This includes the characterization of blast wave infiltration into buildings through failed windows, blast wave channeling, blast wave propagation around buildings, and blast wave characteristics in tunnels. For large-scale testing, CERL makes use of the military ranges at CFB Petawawa and CFB Suffield, where up to 10,000 kg of high explosives can safely be detonated. Much of the large-scale testing has been performed in support of accident investigations, or the testing of windows, doors and guard cubicles against blast. The latter tests are typically performed to well-established procedures such as those of the United States General Services Administration (GSA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Most recently, work has begun in the field of vulnerability assessments of critical energy infrastructure. This includes pipelines, and electrical distribution and production facilities, including dams. Their vulnerabilities against explosive loads (blast, fireball, fragment, ground motion, and cratering) are all considered.

The Explosives Applications and Methodologies Group serves on various code writing committees: NFPA (fireworks and explosives), NFPA (Explosive venting), ISO (window testing).

Clients

Our clients include manufacturers, importers and distributors of explosives, pyrotechnics, fireworks, ammunition, propellants and accessories, as well as various levels of government and law enforcement agencies.

Contact

Ettore Contestabile
Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
555 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Tel.: 613-995-1363
Fax: 613-995-1230
E-mail: econtest@nrcan.gc.ca

Last Updated: 2006-06-26

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