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Project Number 267
Date of Summary July 27, 2004
Subject Development, Testing and Evaluation of an Explosive Shock Wave Focusing Tool with Minimum Explosive Weight
Performing Activity Reverse Engineering Limited
Principal Investigator Mr. Brian Twomey and Dr. Alex de Joode
Contracting Agency Minerals Management Service
Estimated Completion January 2001
Description Project goals were to develop, test and assess an explosive cutting tool to reduce the environmental impact of using explosives and minimize the cost of decommissioning offshore structures. Explosive shock wave focusing (SWF) technology was developed to reduce the effect of explosives on nearby marine life. The SWF technology was also designed to use 40 percent less explosive than equivalent shaped charges. This is achieved by focusing stress waves to generate a controlled crack within the material.
Progress

A final report was submitted on the initial design work, numerical model simulations and small scale testing of this explosive cutting technology. Due to a lack of project funding by all parties in this joint industry project, the scope had to be reduced and the final progress report will be the only product.
Reports
AA (18.4 MB) pdf Development, Testing and Evaluation of an Explosive Shock Wave Focusing Tool with Minimum Explosive Weight, Reverse Engineering Ltd., Final Report, January, 2001.

 

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Last Updated: 07/23/2008, 08:02 AM