 Outline of Groups
 Explosion and Shock Waves Group
Explosion and Shock Waves Group mainly investigates the phenomena of explosion
and impact within condensed systems such as solids and liquids. Basic studies
evolve around research into the phenomena of explosions and mechanisms
of initiation with high-speed time-resolved measurements and research into
an equation of state under unexplored ultra-high pressure states using
a laser shock wave. The group is investigating the safety of explosive
substances and developing high-performance powder magazines, technology
for mitigating air blast and other effects of explosions, and technologies
for predicting the effects of explosions using full-scale models by numerical
simulation. The group also performs large-scale outdoor explosion experiments
to supply data for regulations and global harmonization.
 |
Photograph Showing the Shock Waves in the Air
A micro-explosion technique was developed as a means of efficiently evaluating
the effect of explosions. This technique, which uses less than one gram
of explosive in small containers, enables experiments to be performed safely
in an ordinary laboratory. This is a Schlieren photograph of an air blast
during an explosion of an approximately 1-cm explosive magazine. This technique
allows us to monitor and measure the propagation of an air blast and interference
of structures in a more simple and easy way with a high degree of accuracy. |
Energetic Materials Group
Substances, that can store and rapidly release large amounts of energy
like explosives are called energetic materials. Energetic Materials Group
analyzes explosions in terms of chemistry to determine the reaction mechanisms
of energetic materials and develop technologies for energetic materials'
safety, molecular design and risk assessment. For example, the figure below
shows "polymer fireworks" that were molded by a high-performance
polymer used in the solid propellant of H2 rockets. Polymer fireworks are
much safer than conventional fireworks and have higher production efficiency.
 |
Fireworks Molded with Polymers
a and b : Fireworks molded to form the former National Institute for Materials
Science logo.
c : Fireworks are molded into a bar that is so soft it can be knotted like
a thread.
d : Ball-point pen (for size reference |
Industrial Safety and Physical Risk Analysis Group
 Ex-Gas Phase Explosion Group
Prevention of gas and dust explosions is an important task for ensuring
safety in the manufacturing industry including chemical and electronic
industries. Gas Phase Explosion Group is conducting researches on the phenomena
of high-speed explosions of gases and dust and evaluating the hazards of
explosions. At present, the group is focused on establishing the safety
technology of hydrogen including high-pressure gas and metal hydride, which
are expected to be new energy sources. The group is also investigating
the safety technology of dimethyl ether (DME). its practical application
as a new fuel is in the near future.
 |
Jet Flame of High-Pressure Hydrogen
(jetting pressure : 40MPa)
Hydrogen as a new fuel is attracting public attention such as the fuel
cell car. The development of safety technology is increasingly required
for its wide use. This photograph shows the measurement of the size and
temperature of a high-pressure hydrogen jet flame. Since a hydrogen flame
is almost invisible, the flame was made visible by using sodium. |
Ex-Application and Environmental Protection Group
For safe and effective utilization of explosives, which instantaneously
release large amounts of energy, control technology should be established
and the environmental impact assessed. Application and Environmental Protection
Group is studying effective technologies for explosives utilization such
as techniques of controlled blasting and explosive cladding for dismantling
decrepit structures with a lower environmental impact. The group is also
studying the environmental safety of explosives such as the environmental
impact assessment of gas generation agents, which are used in automobile
air bags. The group is developing technologies for measuring and controlling
vibration, noise, and flying debris when using explosives. Databases of
explosion accidents are under development for accident prevention.
 |
Dismantling of a Decrepit Structure by Blasting
This is an example of dismantling by blasting with molded explosives.
|
 Page Top
|
