Effect of high altitude on the temperature propagation of typical explosives in tunnel wave fronts

Hongyu LUO, Yupeng HU, Xiaowei FENG, Fengjun WANG, Minghai LI

Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology) ›› 2025, Vol. 65 ›› Issue (4) : 721-731.

PDF(6634 KB)
PDF(6634 KB)
Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology) ›› 2025, Vol. 65 ›› Issue (4) : 721-731. DOI: 10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2025.27.008
Fire in Subterranean Spaces and Tunnels

Effect of high altitude on the temperature propagation of typical explosives in tunnel wave fronts

Author information +
History +

Abstract

Objective: Thermal effects are the primary means of damaging ammunition targets, and their impacts are particularly pronounced in enclosed environments. With the ongoing advancement of efficient damage technologies and the increasing complexity of future combat scenarios, it is crucial to evaluate weapon damage performance in high-altitude environments. Therefore, studying the propagation characteristics of explosion temperatures in high-altitude tunnels and developing a corresponding theoretical calculation model are of great significance for comprehensively assessing explosion damage under such conditions. Methods: This study aimed to effectively characterize the propagation characteristics of the temperature at the blast wave front in long, straight tunnels with different types of condensed explosives at high altitudes. A multimaterial numerical calculation method was employed to investigate the propagation behavior of the blast wave front temperature in such tunnels. First, the two-dimensional axisymmetric numerical calculation method was validated by comparing the peak temperature data with the results of the existing explosion temperature field tests. Afterward, based on the above-described numerical calculation method, standard atmospheric parameters, and the existing explosive Jones-Wilkins-Lee(JWL) equation of state parameters, a numerical model is developed to simulate the explosion of different types of condensed explosives at high altitudes in a long straight tunnel. The model analyzes the explosion temperature field parameters, including the plane wave formation distance, peak temperature, shock wave front propagation velocity, and standard deviation of shock wave front arrival times. Finally, using the Hugoniot principle and Sachs dimensionless correction method, a mapping calculation model of the peak temperature and peak overpressure of the shock wave front in a typical high-altitude tunnel with condensed explosives is established, and the accuracy of the model is verified through numerical calculation results. Results: The results indicate that the plane wave formation distance increases gradually with both the elevation and internal energy per unit volume of the explosive. At an altitude of 4 000 m, the plane wave formation distance for the different types of condensed explosives increases by an average of 24.8% compared with that in a flat environment. At the same altitude, the plane wave formation distance increases by an average of 0.89 m/GPa with a rise in internal energy per unit volume of the explosive. As a result, the propagation velocity and average deviation of the shock wave front arrival time increases with the elevation and internal energy. This result reflects the complexity of the interaction between the shock wave front and tunnel wall, leading to a decrease in the flatness of the shock wave front. At an altitude of 4 000 m, the peak temperature of the shock wave front for different condensed explosives increases by an average of 27%. At the same altitude, the peak temperature of the shock wave front increases by an average of 0.013 k℃/GPa with the rise in internal energy per unit volume of the explosive. The peak temperature for different altitudes and explosive types exhibits a decreasing trend with the increase in propagation distance, with the rate of decrease also reducing. Under various altitude and explosive-type conditions, the deviation between the theoretical analysis model and numerical calculation results is < 10%, indicating good accuracy. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for understanding the temperature propagation of shock wave front explosions in condensed explosive tunnels under high-altitude conditions. They also offer guidance for weapon damage assessment and protection engineering design in high-altitude extreme combat environments.

Key words

explosion temperature / long straight tunnel / propagation characteristics / altitude / condensed explosive

Cite this article

Download Citations
Hongyu LUO , Yupeng HU , Xiaowei FENG , et al . Effect of high altitude on the temperature propagation of typical explosives in tunnel wave fronts[J]. Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology). 2025, 65(4): 721-731 https://doi.org/10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2025.27.008

References

1
刘泉, 姚箭, 宋先钊, 等. 初始环境压力对RDX基温压炸药冲击波超压和温度的影响[J]. 北京理工大学学报, 2024, 44 (9): 913- 922.
LIU Q , YAO J , SONG X Z , et al. Influence of initial ambient pressure on shockwave overpressure and temperature of RDX-based thermobaric explosive[J]. Transactions of Beijing Institute of Technology, 2024, 44 (9): 913- 922.
2
纪玉国, 张国凯, 李干, 等. 坑道口部温压炸药爆炸热效应与冲击波传播规律实验研究[J]. 南京理工大学学报(自然科学版), 2022, 46 (6): 649- 658.
JI Y G , ZHANG G K , LI G , et al. Experimental study on thermal effect and shock wave propagation of thermobaric explosives at tunnel entrance[J]. Journal of Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 2022, 46 (6): 649- 658.
3
李瑞, 杨耀勇, 汪泉, 等. 高海拔环境下运动装药的爆炸冲击波特性[J]. 火炸药学报, 2024, 47 (2): 159- 171.
LI R , YANG Y Y , WANG Q , et al. Blast wave characteristics of moving charge at high-altitude environment[J]. Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants, 2024, 47 (2): 159- 171.
4
CHEN F , MAO J F , ZHOU J , et al. Thermal environment inside a tunnel after thermobaric explosion[J]. Shock and Vibration, 2017 (1): 5427485.
5
LIU W W , REN H X , CHENG K . Simulation analysis of tunnel diesel oil explosion based on FLACS[J]. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2019, 563 (2): 022045.
6
SU B , LUO Z M , WANG T , et al. Experimental and numerical evaluations on characteristics of vented methane explosion[J]. Journal of Central South University, 2020, 27 (8): 2382- 2393.
7
XU Z D , LIU X J , XU W , et al. Flame propagation characteristics of gas explosions in utility tunnels considering spatial obstacles[J]. Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice, 2023, 14 (1): 04022066.
8
纪玉国, 张国凯, 李干, 等. 坑道内爆炸条件下温压炸药的爆炸特性及其影响因素[J]. 爆炸与冲击, 2024, 44 (3): 118- 132.
JI Y G , ZHANG G K , LI G , et al. Explosion characteristics of thermobaric explosive (TBX) detonated inside a tunnel and the related influential factors[J]. Explosion and Shock Waves, 2024, 44 (3): 118- 132.
9
张玉磊, 李芝绒, 张俊锋, 等. TNT坑道内爆炸热作用规律的试验研究[J]. 火炸药学报, 2019, 42 (5): 526- 530.
ZHANG Y L , LI Z R , ZHANG J F , et al. Experimental study on the thermal effect of TNT explosion in tunnel[J]. Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants, 2019, 42 (5): 526- 530.
10
闫潇敏, 苏健军, 李芝绒, 等. 坑道内温压炸药的爆炸热效应研究[J]. 火工品, 2015 (1): 22- 25.
YAN X M , SU J J , LI Z R , et al. Experimental study on explosive thermal effect of thermal-baric explosives in tunnel[J]. Initiators & Pyrotechnics, 2015 (1): 22- 25.
11
张洪铭, 陈先锋, 张英, 等. 坑道内典型工业炸药爆炸灾害效应的数值模拟[J]. 工程爆破, 2015, 21 (4): 11-16, 57.
ZHANG H M , CHEN X F , ZHANG Y , et al. Numerical simulation of disaster effects in tunnel induced by typical industrial explosives[J]. Engineering Blasting, 2015, 21 (4): 11-16, 57.
12
李凌峰, 韩秀凤, 沈飞, 等. 典型约束环境下HMX基温压炸药内爆释能特性[J]. 火工品, 2022 (2): 48- 53.
LI L F , HAN X F , SHEN F , et al. Internal explosion energy release characteristics of HMX-based thermo-baric explosive in typical confined environment[J]. Initiators & Pyrotechnics, 2022 (2): 48- 53.
13
苟兵旺, 李芝绒, 闫潇敏, 等. 复杂坑道内温压炸药冲击波效应试验研究[J]. 火工品, 2014 (2): 41- 45.
GOU B W , LI Z R , YAN X M , et al. Experimental study on shock wave effects of thermo-baric explosive in complex tunnel[J]. Initiators & Pyrotechnics, 2014 (2): 41- 45.
14
王洪海, 张卫华, 王胜强, 等. 复合炸药在爆炸坑道内的冲击波效应研究[J]. 应用化工, 2020, 49 (S1): 374-376, 381.
WANG H H , ZHANG W H , WANG S Q , et al. Study on the shockwave effect of composite explosive in explosion tunnel[J]. Applied Chemical Industry, 2020, 49 (S1): 374-376, 381.
15
耿振刚, 李秀地, 苗朝阳, 等. 温压炸药爆炸冲击波在坑道内的传播规律研究[J]. 振动与冲击, 2017, 36 (5): 23- 29.
GENG Z G , LI X D , MIAO C Y , et al. Propagation of blast wave of thermobaric explosive inside a tunnel[J]. Journal of Vibration and Shock, 2017, 36 (5): 23- 29.
16
SILNIKOV M V , CHERNYSHOV M V , MIKHAYLIN A I . Blast wave parameters at diminished ambient pressure[J]. Acta Astronautica, 2015, 109, 235- 240.
17
IZADIFARD R A , FOROUTAN M . Blastwave parameters assessment at different altitude using numerical simulation[J]. Turkish Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, 2010, 34 (1): 25- 41.
18
VELDMAN R L , NANSTEEL M W , CHEN C C T , et al. The effect of ambient pressure on blast reflected impulse and overpressure[J]. Experimental Techniques, 2017, 41 (3): 227- 236.
19
WANG F Q , WANG Q , WANG Y J , et al. Propagation rules of shock waves in confined space under different initial pressure environments[J]. Scientific Reports, 2022, 12 (1): 14352.
20
陈龙明, 李志斌, 陈荣, 等. 高原环境爆炸冲击波传播特性的实验研究[J]. 爆炸与冲击, 2022, 42 (5): 114- 124.
CHEN L M , LI Z B , CHEN R , et al. An experimental study on propagation characteristics of blast waves under plateau environment[J]. Explosion and Shock Waves, 2022, 42 (5): 114- 124.
21
陈龙明. 高原爆炸冲击波传播特性研究[D]. 长沙: 国防科技大学, 2020.
CHEN L M. Propagation characteristics of blast shock waves in pleateau environment[D]. Changsha: National University of Defense Technology, 2020. (in Chinese)
22
SACHS R G. The dependence of blast on ambient pressure and temperature: BRL Report 466[R]. Aberdeen Proving Ground: Ballistic Research Laboratories, 1944.
23
李瑞, 李孝臣, 汪泉, 等. 低温和低压环境下炸药爆炸冲击波的传播特性[J]. 爆炸与冲击, 2023, 43 (2): 18- 28.
LI R , LI X C , WANG Q , et al. Propagation characteristics of blast wave in diminished ambient temperature and pressure environments[J]. Explosion and Shock Waves, 2023, 43 (2): 18- 28.
24
李子涵, 程扬帆, 王浩, 等. 负压环境对乳化炸药爆炸温度场和有害效应的影响[J]. 爆炸与冲击, 2023, 43 (8): 30- 42.
LI Z H , CHENG Y F , WANG H , et al. Influences of negative pressure conditions on the explosion temperature field and harmful effects of emulsion explosive[J]. Explosion and Shock Waves, 2023, 43 (8): 30- 42.
25
NEEDHAM C E . Blast waves[M]. 2nd ed Cham: Springer, 2018.
26
李芝绒, 王胜强, 殷俊兰. 不同气体环境中温压炸药爆炸特性的试验研究[J]. 火炸药学报, 2013, 36 (3): 59- 61.
LI Z R , WANG S Q , YIN J L . Experiment study of blast performance of thermobaric-explosive under different gas environment[J]. Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants, 2013, 36 (3): 59- 61.
27
段晓瑜. 含铝炸药空气中爆炸冲击波特性研究[D]. 北京: 北京理工大学, 2017.
DUAN X Y. Study on the properties of shock wave from aluminized explosives blast in air[D]. Beijing: Beijing Institute of Technology, 2017. (in Chinese)
28
LEE E L, HORNIG H C, KURY J W. Adiabatic expansion of high explosive detonation products: UCRL-50422[R]. Livermore: Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, University of California, 1968.
29
LU J P , LOCHERT I J , DANIEL M A , et al. Shock sensitivity studies for PBXN-109[J]. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 2016, 41 (3): 562- 571.
30
JOHNSON G R , COOK W H . Fracture characteristics of three metals subjected to various strains, strain rates, temperatures and pressures[J]. Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 1985, 21 (1): 31- 48.
31
张军, 黄含军, 王军评, 等. 炸药驱动式爆炸管的载荷计算[J]. 装备环境工程, 2021, 18 (5): 21- 27.
ZHANG J , HUANG H J , WANG J P , et al. Simulation on the blast load inside the explosively drived shock tube[J]. Equipment Environmental Engineering, 2021, 18 (5): 21- 27.
32
LIU Y K , YIN J P , WANG Z J , et al. The EFP formation and penetration capability of double-layer shaped charge with wave shaper[J]. Materials, 2020, 13 (20): 4519.
33
YANG Z H , RONG J L , ZHAO Z T . Study on the prediction and inverse prediction of detonation properties based on deep learning[J]. Defence Technology, 2023, 24, 18- 30.
34
BORNSTEIN H , KUZNETSOV V , LU J P , et al. Characterisation and validation of the JWL equation of state parameters for PE4[J]. International Journal of Impact Engineering, 2022, 164, 104190.
35
ANDERSON E K , CHIQUETE C , CHICAS R I , et al. Detonation performance experiments, modeling, and scaling analysis for pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) high explosive[J]. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 2022, 47 (9): e202200069.
36
陈皓, 李文彬, 宋平, 等. 典型复合温压炸药爆炸特性试验研究[J]. 哈尔滨工程大学学报, 2023, 44 (10): 1841- 1848.
CHEN H , LI W B , SONG P , et al. Test research on the detonation characteristics of typical composite thermobaric explosives[J]. Journal of Harbin Engineering University, 2023, 44 (10): 1841- 1848.
37
李勇, 雒泓宇, 冯晓伟, 等. 海拔高度对长直坑道内爆炸冲击波传播的影响[J]. 爆炸与冲击, 2024, 44 (3): 105- 117.
LI Y , LUO H Y , FENG X W , et al. Influence of altitude on the propagation of explosion shock waves in a long straight tunnel[J]. Explosion and Shock Waves, 2024, 44 (3): 105- 117.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
PDF(6634 KB)

Accesses

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/