El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / This study aims to propose a new alternative to optimize drilling and blasting processes from the mathematical and geological viewpoint using simulation software. The main objective is to design a systematic model of steps that can generate a simulation through JkSimBlast. This simulation must represent the best alternative for the design of drilling mesh and explosive selection to be implemented in the field. To achieve this goal, a seven-step process diagram was proposed, including geology, design aspects (burden and spacing across the areas of influence algorithm), analysis of physical parameters such as detonation rate, drill-mesh design, explosives selection and fragmentation analysis, simulation tests that could represent the field designs, and selection of the most optimal simulation. For the collection of parameters in the field, we have used MicroTrap Software and WipFrag, which have allowed the design of a mesh according to the needs of the rocky massif. The most optimal simulation was implemented at Caravelí Mining Company-Estrella Unit and had a positive impact on the optimization of drilling and blasting, as the costs of these processes were reduced by 14.6%. Specifically, the costs of explosives were reduced by 2.6% and the costs of drilling steels by 10.4%. The performance of the loading machine advance/shot increased by 13.2% and 15.6%, respectively. Copyright 2019.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Ion mobility spectrometry is a powerful technique for the study related to molecule. The work of tow major applications are introduced in this paper. The first application is the optimization of parameters in CCS. The accurate calculation of the collision cross section for multiple molecules is a long-time interested topic in the research for substances detection in micro scale. No reliable analytical approach to calculate the collision cross section has been established to date. Different approaches rely on different mechanism will provide different results in significant extent. This work introduce a method for the determination of parameters in the Lennard Jones potential. Experimental data combined with numerical computation was the fundamental strategy during the optimization of the parameters. In the experiment, electrospray is used as the ion source of IMS while a nebulizer was utilized to electrify the aromatic compounds. New parameters show no less accuracy and equal efficiency while can explain the physical meaning of the collision more clearly. The second application is the trace detection of explosives with very low concentration. The detection of explosives is an important topic in security, while the detection will be difficult due to the low vapor pressure of explosives. In this work, two types of devices are designed for the trace detection of explosives at an extremely low concentration. TNT is selected as the explosives in the experiment. The experiment succeed to reach a sensitivity of 1 part per quintillion, and even find out a linear relationship between the logarithm of TNT concentration and TNT vapor pressure.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Analysis of explosives (intact and post-blast) is of interest to the forensic science community to qualitatively identify the explosive(s) in an improvised explosive device (IED). This requires high sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity. Forensic science laboratories typically utilize visual/microscopic exams, spectroscopic analysis (e.g., Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for explosive analysis/identification. However, GC/MS has limitations for explosive analysis due to difficulty differentiating between structural isomers (e.g., 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,5-dinitrotoluene and 2,6- dinitrotoluene) and thermally labile compounds (e.g., ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), nitroglycerine (NG) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)) due to mass spectra with very similar fragmentation patterns. The development of a benchtop vacuum ultraviolet spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatography (GC/VUV) was developed in 2014 with a wavelength region of 120 nm to 430 nm. GC/VUV can overcome limitations in differentiating explosive compounds that produces similar mass spectra. This work encompasses analysis of explosive compounds via GC/VUV to establish the sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for the potential application for forensic explosive analysis. Nitrate ester and nitramine explosive compounds thermally decompose in the VUV flow cell resulting in higher specificity due to fine structure in the VUV spectra. These fine structures originate as vibronic and Rydberg transitions in the small decomposition compounds (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, water, and oxygen) and were analyzed computationally. The thermal decomposition process was further investigated for the determination of decomposition temperatures for the nitrate ester and nitramine compounds which range between 244 oC and 277 oC. Nitrated compounds were extensively investigated to understand the absorption characteristics of the nitro functional group in the VUV region. The nitro absorption maximum appeared over a wide range (170 - 270 nm) with the wavelength and intensity being highly dependent upon the structure of the rest of the molecule. Finally, the GC/VUV system was optimized for post-blast debris analysis. Parameters optimized include the final temperature of a ramped multimode inlet program (200 oC), GC carrier gas flow rate (1.9 mL/min), and VUV make-up gas pressure (0.00 psi). The transfer line/flow cell temperature was determined not to be statistically significant.

No description available.

X-ray detection methods have increasingly been used as an effective means for the automatic detection of explosives. While a number of devices are now commercially available, most of these technologies are not yet mature. The purpose of this research has been to investigate methods for using x-ray dual-energy transmission and scatter imaging technologies more effectively. Followed by an introduction and brief overview of x-ray detection technologies, a model for a prototype x-ray scanning system, which was built at Virginia Tech, is given. This model has primarily been used for the purpose of system analysis, design and simulations. Then, an algorithm is developed to correct the non-uniformity of transmission detectors in the prototype scanning system. The x-ray source output energy in the prototype scanning system is not monochromatic, resulting in two problems: spectrum overlap and output signal unbalance between high and low energy levels, which will degrade the performance of dual-energy x-ray sensing. A copper filter has been introduced and a numerical optimization method to remove thickness effect of objects has been developed to improve the system performance. The back scattering and forward scattering signals are functions of solid angles between the object and detectors. A given object may be randomly placed anywhere on the conveyor belt, resulting in a variation in the detected signals. Both an adaptive modeling technique and least squares method are used to decrease this distance effect. Finally, discriminate function methods have been studied experimentally, and classification rules have been obtained to separate explosives from other types of materials. In some laboratory tests on various scenarios by inserting six explosive simulants, we observed improvements in classification accuracy from 60% to 80%, depending on the complexity of luggage bags. / Ph. D.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) is assigned the mission to render safe and/or dispose of any device, conventional, nuclear, biological, chemical, or improvised, that may cause injury to personnel or damage to property. Teleoperated mobile robots have been fielded to make the job of the EOD soldier less hazardous. The current model in use is the Security Explosive Ordnance Disposal (SEOD) robot. The future model is the RCT Rover. These robots are designed to specifically target improvised explosive devices (IEDs) -- homemade bombs. With their present design these robots have limited capabilities. Only one gripper, which is bolted onto the end of the arm, is provided. It was the objective of the research to take the first step toward increasing the flexibility of this robot by applying technology which presently exists in the industrial robotics area. A feasibility study was proposed which considered both hardware and control issues of proposed changes. A quick exchange device was proposed as well as numerous end effectors to make the robot more adaptable to any given situation. Control and feedback system issues was also investigated that allowed the telerobot to have autonomous control during the end effector interchange sequence. / Master of Science

Cette étude traite de la dynamique des éruptions volcaniques explosives, depuis les mécanismes de sub-surface jusqu’aux processus d’émission et de dispersion des pyroclastes. A cet effet un radar Doppler sol est utilisé (VOLDORAD), lequel renseigne sur la charge / vitesse des ejectas. Les données sont intégrées avec d’autres techniques géophysiques, et des modèles numériques sont développés afin de simuler les émissions pyroclastiques, générer des signaux radar synthétiques, pour finalement améliorer notre compréhension des processus qui leurs sont sous-jacents. L’Arenal (Costa Rica) est utilisé comme volcan cible, où de fréquentes éruptions de faible magnitude émettent des panaches de cendres et des projections balistiques jusqu’à quelques centaines de mètres au-dessus de l’évent. Dans un premier temps, nous combinons des données sismiques et radar afin d’explorer la relation entre les processus de conduit et les émissions pyroclastiques. Leurs interactions complexes sont interprétées via un modèle conceptuel, lequel décrit les fractures parsemant le bouchon de lave comme responsables du dégazage du système, et en retour des signaux sismiques et radar collectés (ces derniers dépendants de la charge en cendres des émissions de gaz). Par ailleurs, nous investiguons la dynamique des émissions pyroclastiques à travers l’étude de radargrammes Doppler. La distribution spatio-temporelle de la vitesse des ejectas indique l’existence de deux phénomènes aux dynamiques distinctes. Des modélisations numériques permettant la reconstruction de signaux synthétiques indiquent qu’il s’agit de l’émission simultanée de blocs balistiques et de panaches de cendres. Une procédure d’inversion de type Monte Carlo couplée d’un algorithme d’optimisation permet de retrouver les radargrammes synthétiques qui reproduisent au mieux ceux observés. Les résultats apportent des contraintes sur divers paramètres éruptifs, tels que les tailles, trajectoires, vitesses des ejectas et des gaz, ainsi que la vitesse / direction de dispersion des panaches de cendres par le vent. Enfin, nous discutons du potentiel des radars Doppler appliqués à la surveillance opérationnelle des émissions volcaniques. En particulier, la possibilité de quantifier les masses éjectées dans l’atmosphère ou retombant sur les flancs du volcan, fournit des paramètres éruptifs à la source pouvant alimenter les modèles de dispersion de panaches de cendres. / This study investigates the dynamics of explosive volcanic eruptions, from the sub-surface source mechanisms through to the emission dynamics and downwind dispersal of tephra. To this end, we use a ground-based Doppler radar (VOLDORAD) which informs on the loading / velocimetry of the expelled ejecta. Data are integrated with complementary geophysical techniques, and numerical models are developed to simulate pyroclastic emissions, generate synthetic radar data, and in turn enhance our understanding of the underlying dynamical processes. Arenal (Costa Rica) is used as a case study volcano, where frequent mildly-explosive eruptions commonly expel ash plumes and ballistic projections up to a few hundred meters above the vent. Firstly, we combine seismic and radar data to investigate the link between conduit processes and pyroclastic emissions. A conceptual model is proposed to account for their complex interplay, whereby fractures through a rigid lava cap control the system’s degassing, which in turn governs both the seismic and radar signals (the latter depending on the ash load carried by the gas). Secondly, we investigate the dynamics of pyroclastic emissions from the analysis of Doppler radargrams. Time-velocity distribution of the expelled tephra shows the signature of two distinct phenomena. Numerical modeling and computation of synthetic radargrams show that these are consistent with both ballistic projections and ash plume crossing the beam simultaneously, whose respective mass load can be derived. Inverse modeling using a nearneighborhood Monte Carlo procedure was used to find synthetic Doppler radargrams which best matched the observed ones. The results give constrains on eruptive parameters, such as the size, trajectory, exit velocities and source gas velocities of the ballistics, as well as the speed / direction of the ash cloud drifted by trade winds. Lastly, because Doppler radars are powerful tool for real-time allweather monitoring of volcanic activity, we address issues relative to the operational radar monitoring of ash plumes. In particular, the ability to remotely quantify the mass proportions of ejecta either falling on the slopes of the volcano or prone to be ejected into the atmosphere, gives source eruptive parameters which may feed volcanic ash dispersal models.

La lutte contre les effets des Engins Explosifs Improvisés (EEI) constitue un enjeu majeur pour la sécurité intérieure et pour la protection des Forces Armées déployées à l’extérieur du territoire national. Parmi différents matériaux poreux, il a été démontré expérimentalement depuis les années 70 que les mousses aqueuses présentent une capacité à atténuer les ondes de choc. Différents mécanismes d’atténuation ont déjà été identifiés mais leur quantification reste encore peu expliquée. L’objectif de cette étude est de décrire les mécanismes physiques d’interaction d’une onde de choc sphérique entraînant de multiples fragments métalliques avec un volume de mousse aqueuse. En fonction de la distance entre la charge et la couche d’absorption, le choc est susceptible d’arriver avant les fragments, modifiant ainsi significativement la structure de la mousse et ses capacités d’atténuation et de ralentissement. Des essais de fragment unitaire ont été menés sur une configuration monodimensionnelle, essais dont les conclusions ont été validées sur une charge complète en champ libre à l’Institut franco-allemand de recherche de Saint Louis (ISL) dans le groupe "Protection contre les Explosifs". Des mesures de pression en tube à choc couplées à des visualisations d’interaction entre un choc et une couche de bulle ou une bulle unitaire ont permis de préciser la modification de la structure de l’onde de choc par la mousse. Ces essais ont été réalisés au LBMS (ENSTA Bretagne) et dans le groupe de recherche "Aérodynamique, mesures et simulations" (ISL) où il est possible de générer des profils de type souffle en tube à choc. / The fight against Improvised Explosive Device (IED) effects represents a permanent challenge for homeland security and armed forces protection deployed abroad. Aqueous foam was identified as a protective technology against blast effects in the 1970s. Several physical characteristics can account for this attenuation but their relative influences are still not completely determined and require further investigation. The objective of this study is to improve the knowledge of the physical phenomena governing the interaction between an aqueous foam layer and a shock/metallic fragments combination. Depending on the distance between the explosive charge and the absorption medium, the shock is likely to arrive before the fragments consequently modifying the foam structure. Experiments with a single fragment were undertaken in a one dimensional configuration. Obtained results were applied to predict the foam mitigation capability against a complete explosive charge detonated in free field at the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL) in the research group "Protection against Explosives". Pressure measurements in shock tube with visualization of shock/bubbles interaction provided precise information on the foam structure evolution during the impact process. These last experiments were conducted in LBMS (ENSTA Bretagne) and in the research group "Aerodynamic, Measurements and Simulations" (ISL), using a shock tube generating blast wave profiles.

Le principal objectif de la thèse est l’initiation en détonation d’explosifs secondaires (RDX, PETN, HMX) grâce à des nanothermites, qui sont des compositions aluminothermiques renfermant un oxyde ou un sulfate métallique. Des matériaux nanocomposites hybrides détonants (NSTEX), ont été développés en associant une nanothermite avec une nanopoudre d’explosif secondaire, préparée par le procédé SFE. La naissance, la propagation et la modulation de la détonation dans les NSTEX ont été étudiées d’un point de vue expérimental et théorique. La transmission de la détonation produite par les NSTEX à une charge secondaire de pentrite a apporté la preuve que ces nouveaux matériaux énergétiques peuvent être employés comme substances d’amorçage, en remplacement des explosifs primaires à base de plomb. Un procédé permettant de stabiliser les poudres de nanothermites sous forme de mousses solides et très poreuses a également été mis au point. Ces recherches ont une importance capitale pour l’intégration future des nanothermites et des NSTEX dans les systèmes pyrotechniques, parce que la réactivité exceptionnelle de ces nouveaux matériaux énergétique ne se manifeste qu’en milieu poreux, et que d’autre part, ils ne peuvent pas être utilisés sous forme de poudres libres. / The main objective of this thesis is to initiate the detonation of secondary explosives (RDX, PETN, HMX) by using nanothermites, which are aluminothermic mixtures prepared from metallic oxides or sulfates. Detonating hybrid nanocomposites materials (NSTEX) were prepared by mixing a nanothermite with a secondary explosive, which is prepared in nanopowder by SFE process. The formation, the propagation and the modulation of detonation in NSTEX were studied from an experimental and conceptual standpoint. The transmission of NSTEX detonation to a secondary charge of pentaerythritol tetranitrate has confirmed that these new energetic materials can be used as initiating substances in place of lead-based primary explosives. A method to turn the loose powder of nanothermite into porous, solid foam was also developed. This research is of great importance for the future integration of nanothermites and NSTEX in pyrotechnic systems, because these materials are reactive only when they are porous, and on the other hand, they cannot be used at the state of loose powders.