Primary Fragment Characterization Tools: A DDESB Technical Paper 16 Update
Susan Hamilton, PE; US Army Engineering and Support Center; Huntsville, AL
Keywords
Primary Fragment, Software, Method, Siting, Tools, Software
Abstract
DDESB Technical Paper 16: Methodologies for Calculating Primary Fragment Characteristics
details an analytical method for the determination of primary fragment characteristics used for
explosives safety site planning, test prediction, protective construction, and other uses. Included
within the technical paper package are multiple tools which are intended to implement the TP 16
methods in a user-friendly approach. These tools include: the Buried Explosion Module (BEM)
the Generic Equation Calculator (GEQ), the Barricade Angle Calculator (BAC), the Jacobs
Roslund Calculator (JRC), the Modified Pseudo Trajectory Normal Calculator (MPTNC), and the
Stacked Munition Article Calculator (SMAC). Each of these tools will be briefly described and
potential uses listed.
Introduction and Background
DDESB Technical Paper 16
Ref 1
: Methodologies for Calculating Primary Fragment Characteristics
details an analytical method for the determination of primary fragment characteristics used for
explosives safety site planning, test prediction, protective construction, and other uses. While
many of the methods used in TP 16 have been described in other documents, TP 16 strives to
compile the most up-to-date and best available methodologies related to analytical determination
of primary fragment characteristics. This is accomplished by compiling methodologies from
multiple sources into a single document with detailed explanations and examples illustrating the
use of the methods.
The analysis methods discussed within TP 16 are detailed and extensive, hand calculations have
historically been tedious and prone to human error. In order to speed calculation time and ensure
correct repeatable results, stand-alone software packages were introduced as a part of TP 16
revision 3
Ref 2
. These tools are included as attachments within the Adobe PDF download of the
technical paper.
The six stand-alone software packages associated with this document (TP-16) are:
Generic Equation Calculator (GEQ)
Buried Explosion Module (BEM)
Barricade Angle Calculator (BAC)
Modified Pseudo Trajectory Normal Calculator (MPTNC)
Jacobs-Roslund Calculator (JRC)
Stacked Munition Article Calculator (SMAC)
