South Africa is one of the largest producers of explosives in the world. The production of explosives is driven by the mines’ need for explosives to produce the commodities needed by the economy. South Africa used to offer a diploma in explosives technology, but this qualification was discontinued in 1996. Currently some qualifications in explosives management are being presented, but these qualifications do not fulfil the industry's need for technical education in explosives. The South African explosives industry reports that they need technical education in explosives. Because the explosives industry is relatively small in terms of personnel numbers, tertiary educational institutions are hesitant to establish a degree in explosives engineering or a similar qualification. The aim of the research conducted was to try and quantify this need as well as to give guidance to the structure of the explosives engineering qualifications. During the study representatives from all the role-players in the industry were interviewed. Further information was gathered by means of a questionnaire. This data were combined and analysed and it was found that there is a definite need for a diploma in explosives engineering, an undergraduate degree in explosives engineering as well as post graduate qualifications in this discipline. The research has shown that there is a good possibility that these qualifications would be sustainable considering the growth in the South African explosives industry, as well as the growth in the African mining market. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

South Africa is one of the largest producers of explosives in the world. The production of explosives is driven by the mines’ need for explosives to produce the commodities needed by the economy. South Africa used to offer a diploma in explosives technology, but this qualification was discontinued in 1996. Currently some qualifications in explosives management are being presented, but these qualifications do not fulfil the industry's need for technical education in explosives. The South African explosives industry reports that they need technical education in explosives. Because the explosives industry is relatively small in terms of personnel numbers, tertiary educational institutions are hesitant to establish a degree in explosives engineering or a similar qualification. The aim of the research conducted was to try and quantify this need as well as to give guidance to the structure of the explosives engineering qualifications. During the study representatives from all the role-players in the industry were interviewed. Further information was gathered by means of a questionnaire. This data were combined and analysed and it was found that there is a definite need for a diploma in explosives engineering, an undergraduate degree in explosives engineering as well as post graduate qualifications in this discipline. The research has shown that there is a good possibility that these qualifications would be sustainable considering the growth in the South African explosives industry, as well as the growth in the African mining market. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Underground coal mine explosions pose a significant threat to infrastructure such as mine seals and refuge alternative chambers. After a mine seal failed in the Sago mine disaster, which took the life of 12 miners, design requirements were reexamined and improved. However, most research being completed on the analysis of mine structures during an explosive event focuses solely on peak pressure values, while ignoring the impact of pressure duration. This study investigates the impact pressure duration, waveform shape, and impulse have on structural displacement, while also exploring what pressures and duration can be expected during a mine explosion. Additionally, the use of high explosives to simulation conditions experienced during a mine explosion is examined. Results from this study are produced through experimental testing using a scaled shock tube and theoretical studies using finite element analysis.

Traditional methods of studying underground coal mine explosions are limited to observations and data collected during experimental explosions. These experiments are expensive, time-consuming, and require major facilities, such as the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine. The development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of explosions can help minimize the need for large-scale testing. This thesis utilized the commercial CFD software, SC/Tetra, to examine three case studies. The first case study modeled the combustion of methane in a scaled shock tube, measuring approximately 1 foot by 1 foot, by 20.5 feet long, with a methane cloud of 2.5 feet in length, at a concentration of 9% methane. The numerical results from the CFD model were in good agreement with experimental data gathered, with all pressure peaks within 0.25 psi of the recorded pressure data. However, the model had an extensive run-time of 16 hours to reach the peak pressures. The second case study modeled the same explosion, but utilized a total pressure boundary condition at the location of the membrane, instead of the combustion of methane. A pressure-time curve was assigned to this boundary, recreating the release of pressure by the explosion. This was made possible with the knowledge of the experimental data. The numerical results from the CFD model were in excellent agreement with experimental data gathered, with all pressure peaks within 0.07 psi of the recorded pressure data. Alternatively, this model had a run-time of 40 minutes. The third case study modeled a methane explosion in a large shock tube, measuring 8 feet by 8 feet, by 40 feet long, with a methane cloud of 4 feet in length, at a concentration of 9% methane. The bursting balloon technique was employed, which did not model the combustion of methane, but instead the equivalent energy release. The numerical results from the CFD model were in good agreement with the experimental data gathered, with all pressure peaks within 0.025 psi of the recorded pressure data. Additionally, the numerical results modeled the negative pressure phenomenon observed in the experimental results, caused by suction or negative pressure created by the blast wave, immediately following the positive wave. This model had a run-time of 20 minutes. The results of this researched provided validation that there are alternative ways to successfully model methane explosion, without having to model the chemical reactions involved in the combustion of methane, providing quicker run-times and in this case, more accurate results.