NIOSH Mining Facility

Explosives Testing Pond

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The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory possesses a 177-ft diameter, 25-ft deep pond in which underwater shots of explosives may be conducted. The pond was constructed specifically for explosives research. Underwater testing of explosives is a standard technique for determining the strength of an explosive. Typically, a 10-lb explosive charge is lowered into the pond, with pressure transducers suspended in the water nearby to record the pressure pulses produced by the detonation.

Site:  Pittsburgh Research Laboratory