A Survey of Concussion Powders

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke

ABSTRACT: A collection of six commercial concussion powders were test fired in concussion mortars to determine internal mortar pressure, air blast pressure, and the duration of air blast positive phase. The internal mortar pressures for various powder types and load masses ranged from less than 200 to nearly 100,000 psi (700 MPa). For the same powder loads, the air blast pressures at a distance of approximately 70 in. (1.8 m), ranged from 0.07 to 1.7 psi (12 kPa). This corresponds to sound pressure levels (peak–ultra fast–linear) ranging from 148 to 175 dB, and relative loudness values ranging from 1.0 to 6.8. For the same powder loads, the durations of positive phase ranged from nearly 4 ms down to 0.7 ms.

Keywords: concussion powder, blast wave, mortar pressure, sound pressure level, loudness

Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 4, (1995-1997), pp 102-115
(K4_102)

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