Modeling Explosions and Blast Waves

Contents: 1. Basic Concepts and Introduction. 2. Blast Waves in Air. 3. Interaction of Blast Waves with Rigid and Non-rigid Bodies. 4. Energy Release and Rate of Energy Release. 5. Thermal Theory. 6. Propagation of Reaction Front. 7. Formation of Flames and Detonations. 8. Condensed Phase Explosions. 9. Unconfined and Confined Gas Phase Explosions. 10. Dust Explosions. 11. Physical Explosions and Rupture of Pressure Vessels. 12. TNT Equivalence and Yield. 13. Atmospheric Dispersion. 14. Quantification of Damages.

A concise description is provided for the physical processes in explosions and formation of blast waves from explosions following which mathematical models are developed for energy release in explosions and the propagation of blast waves. Accidental and intentional explosions are analyzed using the models. These include confined, unconfined and partially confined gas-phase explosions, dust explosions, physical explosions, condensed phase explosions and rupture of pressure vessels including explosion of cryogenic vessels. The modeling of flammable fuel gases in the atmosphere is given along with the spread of pollutants and toxic gases from the source of explosion or otherwise. 

Quasi-detonations that comprise shock-compressed medium with deflagration occurring in it at the lower Chapman-Jouguet point are analyzed and compared with a Chapman-Jouguet detonation and a deflagration.  The chemistry of condensed phase explosives is discussed and the yield of the explosions with TNT equivalence is given.

Explosions over the ground in air and in water and interactions of blast wave with the surroundings are examined. The scaling with respect to the reflection, transmission and intensity of the explosion are discussed. Case studies, problems and their solutions are given for the different explosions.