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PubMed2004

Trauma from tire and rim explosions: A retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review injuries occurring as a result of tire and rim explosions treated at a level I trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective audit evaluated the university hospital trauma database based on ICD-9 code to isolate patients sustaining tire and rim explosion injuries. A total of 12 complete patient records were derived from this search to allow determination of injuries and outcome assessments. RESULTS: Injury patterns from tire and rim explosions were categorized in terms of anatomic region, treatment and hospitalization, disposition, and outcome assessment. Maxillofacial injuries were further subdivided into specific injuries involving a total of 7 patients from this case series. CONCLUSIONS: Significant blast injuries can result from tire and rim explosions, which can often involve the maxillofacial region due to proximity to the source. Reductions in injuries have been seen since the implementation of physical safety measures by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Highway Transportation Safety Board.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2003

An exploratory approach to modeling explosive compound persistence and flux using dissolution kinetics.

Recent advances in the description of aqueous dissolution rates for explosive compounds enhance the ability to describe these compounds as a contaminant source term and to model the behavior of these compounds in a field environment. The objective of this study is to make predictions concerning the persistence of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) in solid form both as individual explosive compounds and components of octol, and the resultant concentrations of explosives in water as a result of dissolution using three exploratory modeling approaches. The selection of dissolution model and rate greatly affect not only the predicted persistence of explosive compound sources but also their resulting concentrations in solution. This study identifies the wide range in possible predictions using existing information and these modeling approaches to highlight the need for further research to ensure that risk assessment, remediation and predicted fate and transport are appropriately presented and interpreted.

Azocines↗
PubMed2000

Airblast TNT equivalence for a range of commercial blasting explosives.

Results are reported from a programme of work undertaken by the UK Health and Safety Executive to investigate the airblast produced by commercial sector explosives having velocities of detonation (VoD) in the range 2000-8200 m s(-1). The data produced will be useful in evaluating the blast hazards of such explosives in industrial circumstances and also as a means of assessing post-accident damage. All of the solid explosive materials studied produced blast waves which ramped up into shock-wave form close to the point of initiation. The dependence of peak overpressure and positive phase impulse on scaled distance is presented and compared to that of TNT. The TNT equivalence (TNT(e)) technique is shown to be applicable to solid phase explosives with a wide range of VoD, although the precise values of TNT(e) vary with distance.

Air Movements↗
PubMed2000

Flixborough revisited - an explosion simulation approach.

A literature study of explosion estimation reports from the Flixborough accident was performed and commented. The results from this survey were compared to the results obtained from explosion simulations. The simulations were done with a computer model of the Flixborough plant using the EXSIM software simulation tool. The comparison showed that explosion magnitude estimates in the literature based on visual inspection are much lower than the simulated results, while the estimates based on calculations to a large degree conform with the simulations. The simulations also showed that the exact location of the ignition source does not seem to be significant for the magnitude of the explosion.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2002

Theoretical and experimental investigation into the explosive boiling potential of thermally stratified liquid-liquid systems.

The occurrence of a rapid phase transition, or so-called explosive boiling, when a cold volatile liquid comes into contact with a hot liquid or hot surface is a potential hazard in industry. This study was focused on the explosive boiling potential of thermally stratified liquid-liquid systems that result from a runaway reaction. The experimental runs were performed on both a non-reacting and a reacting system. The experimental results showed that under the analysed conditions, the cold phase was superheated but did not evaporate explosively, as the limits of superheat of the phase were not achieved. The response of the cold phase appeared to be completely controlled by the interface temperature between the hot and the cold phase. In general, based on the order of magnitude of temperature differences that result from a runaway reaction in a multi-phasic system and the fact that the system is pressurised by its own vapour pressure, the occurrence of explosive boiling under runaway conditions appears unlikely for these type of systems.

Accidents↗
PubMed2002

Passive explosion suppression by blast-induced atomisation from water containers.

The experimental findings of a combined wind tunnel and field-scale explosion study of blast-induced water release and its effect on blast suppression are reported. The release of water, and its subsequent atomisation, from containers both with open and partly enclosed surfaces, was first studied in a wind tunnel. An array of water containers were then placed at differing positions from the ignition point, together with flame acceleration obstacle arrays at fixed positions, inside a 5.1 m long by 0.3 m(2) cross-section explosion duct. The droplet size and the minimum flame speed necessary for the container array to suppress the explosion were found to depend upon the number of containers in the array and on their shape and size. One particular container array extinguished the flame when placed at any position beyond 1.7 m from the ignition point. When extinction was observed the internal over-pressure was substantially reduced and the external over-pressure completely eliminated. This study suggests a new approach toward passive explosion suppression.

Explosions↗
PubMed2003

Thermal hazard assessment of AN and AN-based explosives.

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is an essential ingredient in most fertilizers. It is also widely used in the commercial explosives industry. In this latter application, it is mostly mixed with fuel oil to form the most popular commercial explosive: ANFO. In both the fertilizer and the explosive industry, aqueous AN solutions (ANS) of various concentrations are processed. These solutions also form the basis of ammonium nitrate emulsion explosives (also called ammonium nitrate emulsions or ANE), which are produced either in bulk or in packaged form. For all these AN-based products, quantities of the order of 20,000kg are being manufactured, transported, stored, and processed at elevated temperatures and/or elevated pressures. Correspondingly, major accidents involving overheating of large quantities of these products have happened in several of these operations. In comparison, convenient laboratory quantities to investigate thermal decomposition properties are generally less than 1kg. As a result, in order to provide information applicable to real-life situations, any laboratory study must use techniques that minimize heat losses from the samples to their environment. In the present study, two laboratory-scale calorimeters providing an adiabatic environment were used: an accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) and an adiabatic Dewar calorimeter (ADC). Experiments were performed on pure AN, ANFO, various ANS systems, and typical bulk and packaged ANE systems. The effects of sample mass, atmosphere, and formulation on the resulting onset temperatures were studied. A comparison of the results from the two techniques is provided and a proposed method to extrapolate these results to large-scale inventories is examined.

Atmosphere↗
PubMed2002

Explosives detection using prompt-gamma neutron activation and neural networks.

This work describes a study of the application of a neural network to determine the presence of explosives using the neutron capture prompt gamma-ray spectra of the substances as patterns which were simulated via Monte Carlo N-particle transport code, version 4B. After the training of the neural networks, it was possible to determine the presence of the C-4 explosive, even when they were occluded by several materials. The neural network was a powerful tool, able to recognize prompt gamma-ray explosive patterns in spite of the presence of occluding materials. Besides that, the network was able to generalize, identify the presence of explosive in cases in which it had not been trained. In that way, it was revealed as a potential tool for in situ inspection systems.

Explosions↗
PubMed2001

Homicide by improvised explosive device made out of firecrackers.

Explosion is a phenomenon resulting from a sudden release of energy dissipated by: (1) blast wave; (2) translocation of objects; and (3) generation of heat. There are different types of explosive devices varying from sophisticated military bombs to simple firecrackers. These are made from various kinds of explosive materials. Sophisticated bombs are used in war and military operations to kill one's enemies, while simple firecrackers are meant for expressing joy and celebration. Here, the author reports an unusual case of homicide by the manufacture of an improvised explosive device from simple firecrackers. In India, these firecrackers are widely and freely available all over the country. The case highlights the fatal hazard resulting from easy access to these potentially dangerous devices, apart from the environmental pollution produced by their large scale use at the time of festivals in this country.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Bladder explosion during uninterrupted transurethral resection of the prostate. A case report and an experimental model.

A bladder explosion during transurethral resection with intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder is reported. Immediate operative repair was successful and the final result satisfactory. Gas formed during in vitro and in vivo prostatic resections was analysed by means of an oxygen electrode and gascromatographs. Hydrogen was dominant but oxygen and several explosive hydrocarbons were demonstrated. The gas formed in vitro was highly explosive. Oxygen content in gas formed in vivo was considerably lower. Admixture of atmospheric air during transurethral resection increases the risk of explosion and should be avoided and the air pocket in the bladder be kept at an absolute minimum.

Explosions↗
PubMed2000

Method for characterization of adhesion properties of trace explosives in fingerprints and fingerprint simulations.

The near inevitable transfer of explosive particulate matter through fingerprints makes it possible to detect concealed explosives through surface sampling. Repeatable and well-characterized fingerprint simulation facilitates quantitative comparison between particulate sampling methods for subsequent detection of trace explosive residues. This study employs a simple, but reproducible sampling system to determine the accuracy of a fingerprint simulation. The sampling system uses a gas jet to entrain particles from a substrate and the resulting airborne particles are then aspirated onto a Teflon filter. A calibrated Barringer IonScan 400 ion mobility spectrometer was used to determine the mass of explosive material collected on the filter. The IonScan 400 was calibrated with known masses of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The resulting calibration curve is in good agreement with that obtained by Garofolo et al. (1994) for an earlier model of the instrument. The collection efficiency of the sampling system was measured for three particle sizes (8.0. 10.0, and 13.0 microm) using spherical polystyrene particles laced with known quantities of TNT. Collection efficiency ranged from less than 1% for the larger particles to 5% for the smaller particles. Particle entrainment from the surface was monitored with dark field imaging of the remaining particles. The sampling system was then applied to two C4 test samples--a fingerprint transfer and a dry Teflon transfer. Over 100 ng of RDX was collected from the dry transfer sample, while less than 1 ng was collected from the fingerprint transfer. Possible explanations for this large difference are presented based on the system calibration.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1975

A portable explosives identification kit for field use.

This study has shown the feasibility of using a miniaturized TLC kit for the presumptive identification of explosives in the field. The process of TLC field screening of a post-explosion site is nondestructive, resolves constituent explosives from interfering backgrounds, and increases the residence time of isolated specimens in the adsorbed state for subsequent substantive identification by trace methods of instrumental analyses. The cost of the modified Kodak kit for explosives identification (excluding the microscope) is approximately +150. The stock items, such as the fluorescent silica gel sheets, Cab-O-Sil, and solvents, are of nominal cost. The kit is relatively simple to use and personnel with a minimal technical background can be trained in its use.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗
PubMed2000

[Clinical analysis of 106 cases of inhalation injury induced by gas explosion].

OBJECTIVE: To review the management of inhalation injury induced by gas explosion in our department, so as to draw some experience and lessons for future work. METHODS: One hundred and six cases of inhalation injury induced by gas explosion were analyzed in terms of the characteristics of and therapeutic methods for the disease. RESULTS: The injury induced by gas explosion was very complicated with high incidences of compound injuries, severe inhalation injury and systemic infection. In addition, respiratory dysfunction occurred very quickly and severely at early postburn stage, which could easily develop to respiratory failure. The latter could ultimately lead patients to death due to improper management. CONCLUSION: In order to raise cure rate of the inhalation injury induced by gas explosion, airway obstruction should be cleared immediately and fiberbronchoscopy and respirator should be employed as soon as possible to help remove endotracheal obstruction and to maintain effective gas exchange. In addition, correct pulmonary resuscitation and continuous blood gas analysis were advocated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Postmortem findings in 22 victims due to two grain silo explosions in France.

In 1982 and 1997 there were explosions of barley-containing silos in France, one in Metz (1982) and the other in Blaye (1997). There were a total of 25 victims, including 23 fatalities (12 in Metz and 11 in Blaye). In each case there was one survivor. This report is a retrospective study of 22 victims (11 at each site); all of them had multiple lesions due to the explosion and the immediate aftermath. The lesions demonstrated direct involvement of the blast effect associated with silo destruction, the heat from the explosion, the effects of toxic gases and asphyxia. The forensic pathologist is an important member of the emergency response team. This team has the responsibility for initially assessing the damage and for identifying the victims. The role of the forensic pathologist is therefore essential and they should be included in emergency planning to facilitate the initial assessment, shorten the time taken to identify the victims and improve safety procedures. Although dust explosions in agro-business plants are occurring more frequently, postmortem data are rare.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Death or injury caused by explosion.

Explosions may have varied energy sources, reasons for occurring, and ways of injuring or killing. Careful analysis of the explosion scene, coupled with an equally careful examination of surgical or autopsy material as the result of an explosion, contributes greatly to the investigation. Surgical or autopsy material suspected of having been injured by explosion should be carefully photographed and x-rayed, swabbed with chloroform-soaked swabs, then swabs soaked in 0.1N hydrochloric acid, cleaned meticulously while collecting only surface fragments, photographed and x-rayed again, and then searched extensively for fragments.

Blast Injuries↗
PubMed1982

Ocular trauma from lead-acid vehicle battery explosions.

Ocular trauma caused by lead-acid car battery explosions has been seen in a number of cases presenting to the major teaching hospitals in Adelaide. Injuries range from superficial acid burns to penetrating eye injury and retinal haemorrhage. The cause of the explosions has been ignition of the hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture generated by lead-acid batteries. The risk of explosion is known to battery manufacturing and distributing bodies and methods of avoiding explosions are well known to the industry. It is suggested that efforts should be made to design safe car batteries, and that there is an urgent need to educate the public to the risks involved with the present batteries.

Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The results of the simultaneous explosion of the Zaria and Plamia special grenades].

New light-and-sound shells Zaria and Plamia used by operative workers of organs of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Russia are characterized by all properties typical of explosives. If they are improperly stored and subjects who should not have access to them handle them, explosions may occur involving destruction of buildings and injuries to people with all signs typical of an explosion (exposure to blast shock wave, high temperature, secondary bodily injuries). Forensic medical examination of subjects dead from explosion revealed extensive thermal burns, ruptures of viscera, craniocerebral injuries, separation and crushing of the limbs, bruises, abrasions, wounds caused by fragments of building and articles in the rooms.

Autopsy↗
PubMed2001

Divergence pattern of animal gene families and relationship with the Cambrian explosion.

There are many gene families that are specific to multicellular animals. These have either diverged from ancestral genes that are shared with fungi and/or plants or evolved from an ancestral gene unique to animals. The evolution of gene families involved in cell-cell communication and developmental control has been studied to establish whether the number of member genes increased dramatically immediately prior to or in concert with the Cambrian explosion. A molecular phylogeny-based analysis of several animal-specific gene families has revealed that gene diversification by duplication occurred during two active periods interrupted by a long intervening quiescent period. Intriguingly, the Cambrian explosion is situated in the silent period, indicating that there is no direct link between the first burst of gene diversification and the Cambrian explosion itself. The importance of gene recruitment as a possible molecular mechanism for morphological diversity, and its possible role for the Cambrian explosion, are discussed.

Animals↗