Accession Number:

AD0759070

Title:

Rock Mechanics and Rapid Excavation Using Explosives

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept. 4 Feb 1972-24 Mar 1973

Corporate Author:

AAI CORP BALTIMORE MD WEAPONS AND AERO SYSTEMS DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Sweeney, Patrick E.

Report Date:

1973-05-04

Pagination or Media Count:

121.0

Abstract:

An exploratory program was conducted to prove the feasibility of a high rate, explosive drilling system to significantly increase the rate of rock excavation and disintegration. Basically, the system utilizes a unique multi- jet explosive capsule, incorporating 7 GRP shaped charge liners with a common explosive charge and detonator. The capsules are transported automatically at a high rate down the drill tube by the use of water and high pressure air, between the capsules. The capsules are ejected from the tube, travel through the water in a filled borehole and is detonated against the working face at the bottom of the borehole. The ultimate system will incorporate an automatic and continuous capsule feed to obtain the high rate of fire in excess of 600 SPM and will recycle the water. Each capsule produces 7 jet penetrations into the rock.

Descriptors:

• *DRILLING
• *MINING ENGINEERING
• *ROCK
• *SHAPED CHARGES
• ARMING DEVICES
• CAVITY LINERS
• EXPLOSIVE TRAINS
• FIRING TESTS(ORDNANCE)
• GLASS TEXTILES
• REINFORCED PLASTICS
• SHAPED CHARGE JETS

Subject Categories:

• Mining Engineering
• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE