Field test and probabilistic analysis of irregular steel debris casualty risks from a person-borne improvised explosive device

Received: 17 July 2021, Revised: 20 July 2021, Accepted: 08 Nov 2021, Available online: 22 Dec 2021, Version of Record: 22 Dec 2021

Piotr W. Sielicki a, Mark G. Stewart c, Tomasz Gajewski a, Michał Malendowski a, Piotr Peksa a, Hasan Al-Rifaie a, Robert Studziński b, Wojciech Sumelka a
a
Institute of Structural Analysis, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 5 Maria Skłodowska-Curie Square, 60-965, Poznan, Poland
b
Institute of Building Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 5 Maria Skłodowska-Curie Square, 60-965, Poznan, Poland
c
Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia

Abstract


Person-borne improvised explosive devices (PBIEDs) are often used in terrorist attacks in Western countries. This study aims to predict the trajectories of PBIED fragments and the subsequent safety risks for people exposed to this hazard. An explosive field test with a typical PBIED composed of a plastic explosive charge and steel nut enhancements was performed to record initial fragment behaviour, including positions, velocity, and trajectory angles. These data were used to predict the full trajectory of PBIED fragments using a probabilistic analysis. In the probabilistic analyses a probability of fatality or serious injury was computed. Based on the results presented, many practical conclusions can be drawn, for instance, regarding safe evacuation distances if a person were exposed to a suspected PBIED.

Keywords
Flying fragments
Human safety
Person-borne improvised explosive device experiment
Probabilistic analysis



Description



   

Indexed in scopus

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55505246300 		      

Article metrics

10.31763/DSJ.v5i1.1674 Abstract views : | PDF views :

   

Cite

How to cite item
   

Full Text

Download

Conflict of interest


“Authors state no conflict of interest”


Funding Information


This research received no external funding or grants


Peer review:


Peer review under responsibility of Defence Science Journal


Ethics approval:


Not applicable.


Consent for publication:


Not applicable.


Acknowledgements:


None.