Air Blast Characterization: Impulse to Power

Author(s):

Kevin L. McNesby, Steven W. Dean, and Dakota G. Scott

Abstract:

Peak shock pressure (Pa) and positive phase duration (A-duration, s) reported by airborne blast pressure sensors are used to calculate the energy fluence (J/m²) on target. This energy fluence is then divided by shock overpressure duration (s) to yield an average shock power (W/m²) on target. A comparison is made to shock impulse (Pa*s) calculated using similar reported data. A link between power of the explosive that created the airborne shock and power measured at target is shown.