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Updated: May 11, 2026

Evaluating Primary Blast Effects In Vitro
Published on: September 18, 2017
The physical basis of explosion and blast injury processes
1Institute of Shock Physics, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK. w.proud@imperial.ac.uk
Abstract:
Energetic materials are widely used in civilian and military applications, such as quarrying and mining, flares, and in munitions. Recent conflicts have involved the widespread use of improvised explosive devices to attack military, civilians and infrastructure. This article gives a basic overview of explosive technology and the underlying physical processes that produce the injuries encountered. In particular aspects relevant to primary and secondary injuries are discussed.
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