title: The anatomy of a pipe bomb explosion: measuring the mass and velocity distributions of container fragments.
abstract: Improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs are prevalent due to the availability of materials and ease of construction. However, little is known about how these devices actually explode, as few attempts to characterize fragmentation patterns have been attempted. In this study, seven devices composed of various pipe materials (PVC, black steel, and galvanized steel) and two energetic fillers (Pyrodex and Alliant Red Dot) were initiated and the explosions captured using high-speed videography. The video footage was used to calculate fragment velocities, which were represented as particle velocity vector maps. In addition, the fragments were weighed. The results demonstrate a correlation between the type of energetic filler and both the size and velocity of the fragments. Larger fragments were produced by Pyrodex filler indicating a less complete fragmentation, compared with smaller fragments produced by double-base smokeless powder. Additionally, higher fragment velocities were seen with Alliant Red Dot filler.
authors.affiliation: Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bors
authors.forename: Josh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cummins
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goodpaster
keywords: explosives; forensic science; fragmentation; high-speed video; pipe bomb; smokeless powder