An alternative method for the measurement of the mechanical impulse of a vertically directed blast

An alternative method for the measurement of the total mechanical impulse of a vertically directed blast due to an explosive charge is presented. The method differs from apparatus that employ a vertically displaced mass (similar in principle to the ballistic pendulum) in that a relatively compact spring-damper system is employed to constrain the movement of the mass. The mechanical impulse is determined by integrating, with respect to time, the net force applied to the spring-damper system. The details of an explosive impulse measuring instrument rated to 12 kN s are presented.