Researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Impact and Explosive Effects Branch (IEEB), part of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, spent six months participating in the NASA-sponsored E-1 Test Facility Blast/Acoustic Effect Mitigation Tools study. The goal? To develop methods to numerically simulate and physically mitigate the blast effects produced by an accidental explosion during rocket engine testing conducted at NASA’s Stennis Space Center on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“This was the first time our branch had an opportunity to work with NASA and it was an amazing experience,” said Research Physicist Denis Rickman, who served as lead engineer on the project. “We were able to work with some very smart folks in an area of research and testing that we aren’t typically exposed to, and I think both sides have come away impressed with what the other guys do and their expertise.”
ERDC became involved after IEEB Branch Chief Hank McDevitt visited the Mississippi Lieutenant Governor’s Office, an event that facilitated a meeting between McDevitt and the Stennis Space Center director. Following a consultation, the effort evolved quickly, with funding provided by Stennis and the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC).
The Stennis Space Center E-1 Test Facility serves as a multi-user test location for rocket components, meaning safety and mitigation are chief concerns. Because the facility contains three separate testing “cells” in close proximity, an accidental detonation has the potential to damage components in all three testing locations. IEEB conducted reduced-scale detonations at the facility, simulating a variety of detonation scenarios. Researchers also provided benchmark data for numerical simulations and analyses after measuring the airblast overpressure field produced and conducted full-scale evaluations of methods to mitigate the overpressures.
“In order to allow multiple engines to be tested concurrently, the level of potential blast that might be produced must be reliably predicted and, further, methods must be identified to effectively mitigate excessive blast pressures,” said Rickman. “We discovered that, as expected, accurately predicting the blast environment in a congested area like the E-1 facility is a very difficult undertaking – even for some of the best minds and agencies in the world.
“In spite of that, we found some workable solutions for future use. In addition, we were able to demonstrate several effective means of potentially mitigating the blast overpressure.”
Findings were presented to an NESC peer-reviewed panel, as well as to NASA/NESC Stakeholders. Rickman said the results were well-received, and indicated a potential for follow-on work with the organization. Additionally, ERDC is working with NASA to establish an explosive test site at Stennis Space Center.
The facility is currently determining the best ways to implement recommendations from the study.