Literature and Product Information Resources SwRI maintains an extensive library of technical literature pertaining to physical security, with abstracts available in a database. Physical security product brochures and catalogues are also available, with manufacturer information stored in a database. SwRI compares products manufactured by several companies and has compiled a list of available test data in these products. Computer Codes User-friendly computer codes are developed for personal and mainframe computers. A Blast Vulnerability Guide for blast threats also has been automated.
Program documentation includes user, validation, and documentation manuals.
Ballistics Testing Southwest Research Institute conducts tests using small arms, military and sporting rifle cartridges, fragment simulations, and large-bore weapons to 50 mm. Ballistic weapons are used to test the penetration resistance of physical security hardware, and ballistic velocities are measured using chronographs and flash X-ray equipment. Hand Tools and Thermal Tools Testing SwRI conducts tests with a variety of hand tools, including abrasive saws, circular saws, power drills, pry bars, sledgehammers, and axes. All tests are timed and videotaped. Oxyacetylene burn bars and kerrie cables are used to replicate severe thermal attacks.