Shock tube

Fraunhofer EMI offers consulting and research services for the evaluation of buildings and their components exposed to pressure shock loads. This service especially addresses manufacturers, designers, insurers and proprietors of buildings that are part of critical infrastructure. Our shock-tube facility BlastStar (blast security test and research facility) simulates shock-wave loadings caused by detonations or gas explosions in order to test the efficiency of protective structures. For security glazing, the tests are conducted in accordance with current standards. Without the classification part, this procedure is also applicable to other construction components with different materials covering, e.g., concrete, reinforced-concrete structures, masonry, lightweight materials etc. We analyze the explosion resistance applying variable loading parameters specified to the customer’s wishes.   

The following important advantages can be realized with our BlastStar shock tube operated by compressed air:

• There is high variability in producing loads.
• Test elements are loaded by a planar shock front which ensures a similar pressure-time curve at every part of the element.
• The loading parameters are highly reproducible.
• All dimensions of the test elements can be analyzed up to a maximum dimension of 2900 mm x 2900 mm.
• Tests in a closed shock tube are not subject to flow effects as would be the case in free-field experiments.
• If wished for, pressure-time curves with multiple reflections can be simulated.