Utilization of Existing Blast Analysis Software Packages for the Back-Calculation of Blast Loads

Abstract

Recent increases in the number of terrorist bombings and explosions have led to increased need for postblast investigators. Numerous advances have been made in the area of chemical analysis of explosive residues, but little work has been done to aid postblast investigators in the determination of explosive charge weight using postblast structural damage. This technical note discusses the results of a review of existing blast analysis software packages for their ability to be used as a forensic tool supporting postblast investigations. The recurring limitations of the software found in this review are discussed. It is determined that individually the software packages do not show much promise as such a tool, but that when used concurrently, they may have some value to the postblast investigator. However limited knowledge about the built-in safety factors as well as the ability to specify and modify boundary conditions in the software packages have left the authors to pursue other avenues.