Investigation of propellant and high explosive disposal by confined space shots-II
By: [by] James E. Sinclair and Kenneth J. Graham
Contributors: Graham, Kenneth J. (Kenneth Judson); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1974
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 36
Subjects: Military Explosives; Propellants
Description: The disposal in a confined space of both military secondary high explosives and homogeneous propellants has been studied.  Research on an engineering basis has been accomplished as to the feasibility of disposing of outdated military munitions in a confined space, and also as to the practicality of explosion product gas recovery for reuse in explosives synthesis.  Disposal in a confined space is advantageous when one wishes to dispose of large batch configurations of explosive devices which are dangerous to uncase, where another method does not exist, and from the standpoint of environmental impact.  For example, a twenty-five ton high explosive shot may be easily contained within a cavity of about sixty-eight feet in diameter, with great attenuation of the shock wave and complete containment of the product gases.  Confined space disposal is at a great disadvantage when other methods of disposal exist, such as wet-air oxidation or controlled incineration, when munitions may be uncased or when continuous operations are feasible.  Primary disadvantages are the danger in transporting old, sensitive devices, initial investment required, emplacement costs and dangers in bringing sensitive ordnance material within sympathetic detonation distances before the shot is fires.  Also, in general, reclamation of the product gases and conversion to useful products in no feasible. (Author)
Notes: Title from cover.

"Prepared for: Naval Ordnance Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 20360"--Cover.

"July 1974"--Cover.

"NPS-61SN74071"--Cover.

"Final report for period July 1973 - June 1974."

Author(s) subject terms: explosives disposal, explosives, decoupling, solution mining, salt domes.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-35)

"Approved for public release; distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Technical report; 30 July 1974.