Abstract A system for completely containing the energy, detonation products, and any other products of an explosive event. In its simplest form, the system comprises a thin-walled confinement vessel, having at least one access port, a closure for the port or ports, a support structure within the vessel for holding the explosive out of direct contact with the vessel wall, and a vacuum system for evacuating the confinement vessel prior to detonation of the explosive. By drawing a 500 micron vacuum within the confinement vessel before detonation, the amount of explosive for which the energy and products can be completely contained is typically doubled over that which can be contained at atmospheric pressure. One embodiment, useful for highexplosive studies, readily allows flash radiography of an event as it occurs. Another embodiment is particularly useful for the containment and disposal of bombs or other infernal devices.
An apparatus for completely containing the energy, detonation products, and any other products of an explosive event which comprises a confinement vessel, access means to the interior of said vessel, closure means for said access means, support means within said vessel for holding an explosive to be detonated, said explosive having no direct contact with the walls of said vessel, and means for producing a substantial vacuum within said vessel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for completely containing the energy, detonation products, and any other products of an explosive event which comprises a confinement vessel, access means to the interior of said vessel, closure means for said access means, support means within said vessel for holding an explosive to be detonated, said explosive having no direct contact with the walls of said vessel, and means for producing a substantial vacuum within said vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said confinement vessel is spherical and said access means is a plurality of access ports.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means for said explosive is mounted to said closure means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said vessel contains means for rapidly reducing the kinetic energy of metal driven to high velocity by said explosive event.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for rapidly reducing the kinetic energy of said metal comprises in combination in spaced relationship a plurality of concentric metal hemispheres, said hemispheres being so oriented in relation to said metal that when said metal is driven to high velocity it impinges upon the innermost of said hemispheres.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said closure means is a quick closure device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 having a safety vessel surrounding and encompassing said confinement vessel and means for producing a soft vacuum within said safety vessel.