Blast Scaling Constant of Proportionality(Z)

The Blast Scaling Constant of Proportionality computes the dimensional parameter that is used as a scaled distance. Many States use rules based upon the explosives, their quantity, and the distance from the explosive to where people are at risk.  These rules are known as Quantity-Distance (Q-D) criteria, and are based on the approach derived from the Hopkinson-Cranz Scaling Law, which is further amended by a range of coefficients.  It is the basis of much of the work on the estimation of appropriate quantity and separation distances.

Examples of constants used in the field:

8.0 - Used to predict separation distances between ammunition process buildings (APB) within an explosive storage area (ESA). Additionally minimum safe distances further apply if R is below a certain level, which differs for each ‘Z’ function. 

14.8 - Used to predict separation distances between an explosive storehouse (ESH) and a public traffic route with civilian access. 

22.2 - Used to predict separation distances between an explosive storehouse (ESH) and a building inhabited by civilians. 

44.4 - Used to predict separation distances between an explosive storehouse (ESH) and a vulnerable building inhabited by civilians (e.g. a school). 

Resources:

• Salveson, Matthew Ward. "Chapter 1: Background and Motivation."Computational Methodologies for Blast and Shock Mechanics. N.p.: n.p., 2007. 2. Print.
• Florek, Jason F. STUDY OF SIMPLIFIED MODELS OF AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO GENERALIZED EXPLOSIVE LOADING. Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest LLC, 2008. Rutgers University Community Repository. ProQuest LLC, Oct. 2007. Web. 12 June 2015. <https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/22849/pdf/1/>.
• "Formulae for Ammunition Management." International Ammunition Technical Guideline. 1st ed. New York: UN, 2013. 2-3. UN SaferGuard. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), 20 May 2013. Web. 12 June 2015. <http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/Ammunition>.