Preliminary Results on the Physical Properties of Aqueous Foams and Their Blast Attenuating Characteristics.

摘要

It is well known that the peak overpressure in the shock wave from a small explosion, and therefore its effect on other media, is attenuated by the use of aqueous foams. Attenuation factors of up to 10 have been recorded. The foams used initially are generated from commercial fire-fighting foam concentrates. As these are designed for putting out fires cheaply and efficiently, and not for attenuating explosions, the foam characteristics for the latter job are likely not optimum. The purpose of this study is to measure the physical properties of the foams as well as their blast reducing characteristics and, by comparing the two, to develop a better understanding of the attenuation process and to create more effective foams for this application. (Author)