TOTAL CONFINEMENT OF CLANDESTINE DEVICE EXPLOSIONS

• NCJ Number: 11409
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 42 Issue: 8 Dated: (AUGUST 1973) Pages: 2-7,31
• Author(s): B T Rogers; R W Taylor
• Date Published: 1973
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Publication Format: Article

Annotation

DESCRIPTION OF VESSELS DESIGNED BY THE LOS ALAMOS SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY AND USED TO CONTAIN THE FORCE AND NOISE OF EXPLOSIVE DEVICES UPON DETONATION.

Abstract

THESE VESSELS ARE USED AT LOS ALAMOS IN EXPERIMENTS COVERING A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPLOSIVE, TOXIC, AND RADIOACTIVE EVENTS. THE PURPOSE IS TO PREVENT THE VENTING OF ANY DELETERIOUS MATERIAL TO THE ATMOSPHERE AND TO CONTAIN ANY OF THE BLAST, FLAME, OR EXTERNAL SHOCK COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH AN EXPLOSIVE DETONATION. THE APPLICATION OF THESE VESSELS TO CIVILIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES IS DISCUSSED, AND A TYPICAL DISPOSAL OPERATION USING SUCH EQUIPMENT IS OUTLINED. THE TESTING OF CONTAINMENT VESSELS IS BRIEFLY EXPLAINED. THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE STUDIES UTILIZING VERMICULITE AS A CONVENIENT AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ABSORBER OF SHOCK PRESSURES. IMPLICATIONS OF THIS RESEARCH ARE INDICATED.