The anatomy of a pipe bomb explosion: The effect of explosive filler, container material and ambient temperature on device fragmentation

Bors, Dana; Cummins, Josh; Goodpaster, John V.

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.10.017

Cited by 9 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…It can be seen that the highest overall recoveries were obtained from plates facing the sides of the device (east and west), rather than the end-caps. This is consistent with previous observations that the initial containment failure of PVC pipe bomb devices initiates in the pipe body, with the explosive plume primarily expanding from the sides of the device [39]. It should be noted that in pipe bombs constructed from steel, the first breach of the container has instead observed to occur at the end-caps, which would presumably result in a differing distribution of post-blast residue on surrounding surfaces.…”

Section: Pipe Bomb Trialsupporting

confidence: 90%

Optimisation of recovery protocols for double-base smokeless powder residues analysed by total vaporisation (TV) SPME/GC-MS

Sauzier

Bors

Ash

et al. 2016

Talanta

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The investigation of explosive events requires appropriate evidential protocols to recover and preserve residues from the scene. In current protocols however, there is a lack of scientifically rigorous investigation concerning their validity. In this study, a central composite design was used to determine statistically validated optimum recovery parameters for double-base smokeless powder residues on steel, analysed using total vaporisation (TV) SPME/GC-MS. It was found that maximum recovery was obtained using isopropanol-wetted swabs stored under refrigerated conditions for a minimum period, then extracted for 15 minutes into acetone. These parameters were applied to the recovery of post-blast residues deposited on steel witness surfaces following a PVC pipe bomb detonation, resulting in detection of all target components across the majority of samples. Higher overall recoveries were obtained from plates facing the sides of the device, consistent with the point of first failure occurring in the pipe body as observed in previous studies. The methodology employed here may be readily applied to a variety of other explosive compounds, and thus assist in establishing 'best practice' procedures for explosive investigations.

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Section: Pipe Bomb Trialsupporting

confidence: 90%

Optimisation of recovery protocols for double-base smokeless powder residues analysed by total vaporisation (TV) SPME/GC-MS

Sauzier

Bors

Ash

et al. 2016

Talanta

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“…Our research group has a long-standing interest in simple IEDs such as pipe bombs. This includes studies of pipe bomb explosions using high speed videography [11,12], chemical analysis of post-blast residues on pipe bomb fragments [13], and quantitation of explosive residues on witness plates placed immediately adjacent to a pipe bomb [14]. The technique that has been used for all of these studies is Total Vaporization Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (TV-the vapor is then sampled using SPME.…”

Section: Abstract: Forensic Science Explosives Pipe Bomb Spmementioning

confidence: 99%

Mapping smokeless powder residue on PVC pipe bomb fragments using total vaporization solid phase microextraction

Bors

Goodpaster

2017

Forensic Science International

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Quantitating post-blast explosive residue is not a common practice in crime labs as it is typically not legally relevant. There is value in quantitation, however, if the distribution of residues on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) can help guide future sample collection and/or method development. Total vaporization solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TV-SPME/GC/MS) was used to quantify residues of double-base smokeless powder (DBSP), which includes nitroglycerin (NG), diphenylamine (DPA), and ethyl centralite (EC) on post-blast PVC pipe bomb fragments. The analytical method could separate the three constituents in under 5min with a detection limit under 1ppb, which demonstrates high throughput while maintaining high sensitivity. The method was optimized for nitroglycerin, as it is the most indicative of DBSP. The average mass of nitroglycerin recovered from an entire PVC device was 1.0mg. The average mass of diphenylamine recovered was much lower (24μg) and only one device had detectable levels of EC. The typical concentration of NG on any given fragment was approximately 15-30ppm (μg NG/g fragment). However, there was no correlation between the mass of a fragment and the mass of residue upon it. Instead, the residue was distributed such that the highest concentration of residues was found on end cap fragments.

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“…In one of a few articles concerning this area, Bors et al [22] investigated the effect of low explosive fillers (i.e. specific Pyrodex black powder and double-base smokeless powder) on pipe bomb containers materials (i.e.…”

Section: Basic Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of time on bond characteristics between extruded PVC tube and cast HTPB/IPDI rocket propellant

Radulović¹,

Milojković²

2017

Sci Tech Rev

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This paper is dealing about the possibility of using thermoplastic material as an inhibitor for solid composite propellant in a long period of time. A basic point in this consideration is an analysis of bond characteristics between the extruded PVC tube and cast HTPB/IPDI rocket propellant examined immediately after the production of samples and after a long period of storage. Structure of poly(vinyl chloride), extrusion technology, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene and casting technology are presented. Tested characteristics of samples of the extruded PVC tube-cast HTPB/IPDI propellant were bond strength and visual appearance of separated parts. Determination of the bond strength and visual appearance of samples were done at 20 o C and 50 o C. These characteristics of the extruded PVC tube-cast HTPB/IPDI propellant bond were determined at freshly prepared samples and at samples after five years of storage in warehouse conditions, at both above stated temperatures.

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The anatomy of a pipe bomb explosion: The effect of explosive filler, container material and ambient temperature on device fragmentation

Cited by 9 publications

References 7 publications

Optimisation of recovery protocols for double-base smokeless powder residues analysed by total vaporisation (TV) SPME/GC-MS

Optimisation of recovery protocols for double-base smokeless powder residues analysed by total vaporisation (TV) SPME/GC-MS

Mapping smokeless powder residue on PVC pipe bomb fragments using total vaporization solid phase microextraction

Influence of time on bond characteristics between extruded PVC tube and cast HTPB/IPDI rocket propellant

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