Mining Publication: Detonation Wave Propagation in Underground Mine Entries

A series of explosive detonation experiments was conducted in NIOSH's Bruceton and Lake Lynn Experimental Mines to evaluate low-level (<6 psig) detonation wave propagation behavior in single- and multiple-entry configurations. Entry cross-sectional area varied from 5 to 140 square meters, and explosive weights of pentolite ranged from 0.24 to 2.4 kg. Behavior of the detonation wave was evaluated through recording of the pressure as a function of time and distance from the explosive detonation in single- and multiple-entry interconnecting tunnels. Peak pressure from detonation of an explosive in an underground mine maintains magnitude for a greater distance than is the case on the surface.