Browsing by Author "Temple, Tracey"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 34
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Open Access Burning of DNAN-based explosive (428 mg) in a Laboratory-Scale open setup using a metal sieve to support the sample(Cranfield University, 2018-07-30 14:07) Galante, Erick; Gill, Philip; Temple, TraceyBurning of 428 mg of DNAN-based Insensitive high explosive heated from beneath, in an open setup, on a metal sieve placed on metal tray within a laboratory.Item Open Access Comparative sampling methodologies for detecting and quantifying 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene post-blast traces in water(NATO STO Collaboration Support Office and the Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Panel, 2024-10-16) Webb, Sally Lynn; Sharma, Bhumika; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, FredericThis study addresses the analytical challenges associated with recovering explosive residues, focusing on the identification of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in water samples. It evaluates the practicality, efficiency, and representativeness of three sampling methodologies: traditional grab sampling (GS), composite sampling (CS), and 3-D multi-increment sampling (3D-MIS). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed for explosive identification. Post-blast sampling of TNT residues from high-order and low-order deflagrations was conducted to assess each method's efficacy and limitations in detecting trace and bulk contaminations. The experiments were conducted at the Alford Technologies Group range in Broadmead, UK, with analysis performed at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, UK. Key findings highlight the varying effectiveness of each sampling method, with implications for enhancing detection sensitivity and accuracy in post-blast scenarios. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate sampling strategies tailored to different contamination scenarios, thereby informing more effective response protocols in CBRNe incidents involving water environments.Item Open Access Comparative sampling methodologies for detecting and quantifying 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene post-blast traces in water(Cranfield University Defence and Security, 2024-11-13) Webb, Sally; Sharma, Bhumika; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, FredericThis study addresses the analytical challenges associated with recovering explosive residues, focusing on the identification of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in water samples. It evaluates the practicality, efficiency, and representativeness of three sampling methodologies: traditional grab sampling (GS), composite sampling (CS), and 3-D multi-increment sampling (3D-MIS). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed for explosive identification. Post-blast sampling of TNT residues from high-order and low-order deflagrations was conducted to assess each method's efficacy and limitations in detecting trace and bulk contaminations. The experiments were conducted at the Alford Technologies Group range in Broadmead, UK, with analysis performed at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, UK. Key findings highlight the varying effectiveness of each sampling method, with implications for enhancing detection sensitivity and accuracy in post-blast scenarios. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate sampling strategies tailored to different contamination scenarios, thereby informing more effective response protocols in CBRNE incidents involving water environments.Item Open Access Data for "Investigation into the environmental fate of the novel explosive 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO): Acridine and its constituents"(Cranfield University, 2024-10-22) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Mai, Nathalie; Pons, Jean-Francois3-Nitro-l,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) is an Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) often considered as a safer alternative to traditional explosive 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). NTO is highly soluble in water and previous studies have revealed that when transported through soil it has the potential to create an environmental challenge as it tends to easily reach groundwater systems. To combat some of these challenges recent work has shown that combining NTO in a co-crystal with Acridine (ACR) at a molar ratio of 1:1 has a positive effect on thermal stability and a reduction in solubility. This paper experimentally evaluates the fate and transport of this NTO:ACR co-crystal compared to its individual components, NTO and ACR, in a low-inorganic matrix. The findings of this study reveal that despite NTO maintaining its high solubility within the co-crystal structure , the quantity of NTO retained within the upper layers of the sand column is larger for NTO:ACR. The rate of transport of these materials through the soil was also considered. While the rate of transport of NTO was proportional to its concentration the presence ACR was shown to have an antagonistic effect on this activity. Therefore, consistent evidence is provided here of an interaction between NTO and ACR within the co-crystal structure which results in a lower solubility for NTO. Increasing the retention of a containment within soil could aid in environmental remediation of the area post-use.Item Open Access Data supporting 'Evaluate the effects of Insensitive High Explosives residues on soil by using an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) approach'(Cranfield University, 2023-02-16 16:14) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, MelissaData presented show the fate and transport of Insensitive High Explosives (IHE) in two different soils, a pristine and a land-degraded soil. Results are also evaluating changes to the physical, chemical and biological sections of the soil over time. Moreover, and and Environmental Quality Index (EQI) has been developed and each value has been scored to understand if soil quality is impacted by the explosive presence.Item Open Access Data supporting: 'Assessing the performance of environmental management in academic research laboratories'(Cranfield University, 2022-11-23 16:56) Ladyman, Melissa; Persico, Federica; Gutierrez Carazo, Encina; Temple, TraceyElectronic survey and survey data for the paper: Assessing the performance of environmental management systems in academic research laboratoriesItem Open Access Data supporting: 'Development of an environmental hazard-based rating assessment for defence-related chemical compounds in ecological soil systems'(Cranfield University, 2022-08-31 16:53) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, MelissaEnvironmental hazard-based methods are commonly used to categorise the severity of chemical contamination to ecological soil systems, although a traffic-light approach (green, amber, red) has never been used to assess these consequences. A traffic light approach is an easy to interpretate data as it has a clear visual display which can provide an early warning approach for stakeholders to identify areas that require further investigation. This approach should be underpinned by extensive research data and systematic methods of development. However, the extent of reliable data available for specific chemicals can be limited and therefore decision making may rely on expert judgement. Therefore, in this study, an environmental hazard-based rating methodology was developed by combining the guidelines from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and the USEPA for Predicted Non-effect Concentration (PNEC) and Ecological Soil Screening Levels (Eco-SSL) for defence-related chemicals (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX), cypermethrin, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)). The developed hazard-based rating assessment was design to categorise the chemicals into low, medium and high environmental hazards priority to inform and ease the decision-making process for contaminated areas to ensure that sustainable operations are carried out.Item Open Access Data: Persistence of TATB in the environment(Cranfield University, 2023-08-08 13:56) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Kadansky, Evie2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TATB) is an Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) that is increasingly being used as a safer alternative to traditional energetic materials. However, the high thermal stability of TATB poses challenges for its disposal, particularly through existing open burning methods and its ability to remain in the environment for long period of time. Therefore, this study investigated the persistence of TATB in the environment by conducting small-scale experiments which were designed to examine the resistance of TATB to open burning and to assess unburnt residues. To evaluate the impact of the unburnt materials in soil, laboratory-scale soil column transport studies were conducted to gauge the movement of TATB through soil and its consequences to environmental receptors. The results indicate that TATB exhibits a high resistance to burning, leaving unburnt materials that can persist in soil. The study emphasizes the importance of efficient disposal methods for explosives and highlights the need for further research on the environmental impact and toxicity of TATB.Item Open Access Dataset for "Environmental Fate of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in Marine Environments - Dissolution and Remediation Strategies"(Cranfield University, 2024-09-16) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Mai, Nathalie; Kadansky, EvieItem Open Access Decomposition of DNAN-based explosive (296 mg) in a Laboratory-Scale open setup(Cranfield University, 2018-07-30 14:07) Galante, Erick; Gill, Philip; Temple, TraceyThermo decomposition of 296mg of DNAN-based Insensitive high explosive heated from beneath, in an open setup, on a metal tray within a laboratory.Item Open Access The detection problem: an eight-decade challenge: the difficulty of practically detecting and discriminating mines, booby traps, and victim operated improvised explosive devices(The Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) : James Madison University, 2024-03-27) Evans, Roly H. P.; Temple, Tracey; Nelson, LizReliably detecting and discriminating mines, booby traps, and victim operated improvised explosive devices remains a stubborn problem for both humanitarian demining organizations and the military. Since mines were widely used during the Second World War, much effort has been expended on the detection problem, with limited success. The aim of being able to positively identify a device first time remains elusive since the scientific challenge of positively identifying different substances in the ground is formidable. This article critically examines the detection problem and suggests that in the continued absence of a ‘silver bullet’ technological solution, the best means currently available to manage the risk of concealed explosive devices is the systematic collection and analysis of relevant operational data from the field.Item Open Access Development of a soil analytical framework to facilitate early identification of the deleterious effects of emerging contaminants and chemicals of military concern on soil(Cranfield University, 2023-01-05T12:42:02Z) Persico, Federica; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, Melissa; Temple, TraceyInsensitive munitions are currently in use in military operations and training areas around the world and are usually filled with Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) formulations, such as combinations of constituents including 2,4-dinitroanisle (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and RDX. Literature is available on the physiochemical nature of these materials, although the actual consequence of residues being deposited post-detonation in the environment is still an unexplored area of research. Of particular interest is the evaluation of soil health as it provides an early warning sign of contamination that may impact on human health and other environmental receptors. This research aimed to establish the concentrations of IHE in soil that would be detrimental to soil by quantifying residues from three detonated 155mm artillery shells filled with IHE composition (15% RDX, 32% DNAN and 53% NTO). The data collected was used to calculate the impact of 100 detonations to estimate the cumulative impacts. The estimated soil concentration values were simulated in outdoor soil mesocosms to establish high, medium, and low soil health boundaries for IHE in soil. The results obtained provide insight on the environmental impact of IHE filled munitions supporting future research in understanding consequences on soil health of detonated munitions.Item Open Access DNAN behaviour during laboratory-scale explosiveness test(Cranfield University, 2018-03-19 08:49) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, TraceyVideo recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 10mg sample of DNAN was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vialItem Open Access Environmental concerns when utilizing detonation as the clearance method for dumped munitions(Cranfield University Defence and Security, 2024-11-13) Sharma, Bhumika; Webb, Sally; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, FredericCommon methods for clearing dumped munitions include low-order and high-order detonations. Low-order detonations produce subsonic explosions, typically leaving behind large explosive fragments, while high-order detonations involve supersonic explosions, usually destroying the entire munition. However, both methods may result in incomplete combustion and the release of explosive materials into the aquatic environment. Additional environmental impacts include noise pollution, shock waves, metal toxicity, and the spread of bomb fragments. To therefore estimate the detonation hazards further experiments were conducted under controlled conditions using six 1000L Intermediate bulk container tanks. Explosive charges were detonated at both low-order and high-order detonations. On average, the low-order detonations (Tanks A & B) left 8.76 ppm of explosive residues, while high-order detonations (Tanks C & D) left significantly less residue, averaging 1.18 ppm. These values were based on a starting explosive concentration of 115 ppm before detonation. The findings confirmed that low-order detonations leave more explosive residue, leading to a higher risk of toxicity. High-order detonations, though resulting in less explosive residue, release fragments at high velocity, posing a serious environmental threat and increasing the risk of accidental explosions.Item Open Access Erick Galante PhD(Cranfield University, 2018-09-13 09:14) Gill, Philip; Galante, Erick; Temple, TraceyNew safety requirements are pressuring military organizations to replace TNT with insensitive high explosives (IHEs) containing DNAN, NTO and RDX but little is known about the behaviour IHE components and formulations in the environment. The environmental impact of ordnance during the in-service phase has been studied, but most reports concern TNT-based legacy explosives and their impact on soil rather than other environmental compartments. To address this knowledge gap, IHE samples ranging from milligrams in a closed system to grams and kilograms in an open system were tested in the laboratory and field, yielding environmental impact data that helps to determine the behaviour of the materials during open burning. The prediction software HYDRUS 1D was then fed with the empirical data and the actual and predicted outcomes for the behaviour of DNAN, NTO, RDX and the IHE formulation were compared to determine whether this software can be used to predict said impacts. The thermodynamic properties of DNAN make it more likely to melt, boil and sublimate during open burning, leaving ~70% behind as unreacted residues. DNAN also inhibits the burning of RDX and NTO, such the near zero residual mass when these are burned as pure compounds increases to ~20% of the initial mass when the formulation is burned. Overall, the experiments showed that DNAN-based IHEs behave in a similar manner to TNT based legacy explosives regarding emission of greenhouse gases, but worse in terms of solid residues. Ultimately, the body of work reported through this thesis has shown that traditional open burning of DNAN-based IHE could leave as much as 12 % (w/w) of unburnt explosive on the soil. We have concluded that the open burning methodology adopted for TNT legacy munitions should be avoided for disposing of IHEs.Item Open Access Evaluating the effect of insensitive high explosive residues on soil using an environmental quality index (EQI) approach(Elsevier, 2023-02-03) Persico, Federica; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, Melissa; Fernandez Lopez, Carmen; Temple, TraceyThe environmental impact of Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) detonation residues to soil quality was assessed using a series of outdoor soil mesocosms. Two different soils were used including a pristine sandy soil and a land-degraded soil collected from a training range. Both soils were spiked with an IHE mixture comprised of 53 % NTO, 32 % DNAN and 15 % RDX at three different concentrations 15, 146 and 367 mg/kg respectively. The concentration levels were derived from approximate residues from 100 detonations over a 2 week training period. A set of five physico-chemical and biological indicators representative of the two soils were selected to develop environmental quality indexes (EQI). It was found that none of the concentrations tested for the pristine soil affected the chemical, biological and physical indicators, suggesting no decrease in soil quality. In contrast, the EQI for the degraded soil was reduced by 24 %, mainly due to a decrease in the chemical and biological components of the soil. Therefore, it is concluded that depending on the soil health status, IHE residues can have minor or severe consequences on soil health. Further studies are needed to determine the environmental impact of IHE on soil and water especially in the case where a larger number of detonations are more likely to be carried out on a training range.Item Open Access IHE1 behaviour during laboratory-scale explosiveness test(Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:50) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, TraceyVideo recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 20mg sample of NTO, DNAN and RDX was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vialItem Open Access Innovative clearance data model for demining operational data collection: insights from field trials in Zimbabwe(Elsevier, 2024-12-15) Evans, Roly; Bold, Mikael; Nelson, Liz; Temple, TraceyFrom September 2023 to March 2024 a field trial on a live manual demining site was conducted to test a new and innovative approach for the collection and analysis of operational data. The approach, titled the Clearance Data Model, involved the collection of sixty-six data attributes for each mine found. For the first time the mine itself would become the accountable unit of demining data, against which an expanded range of relevant attributes particular to that specific mine would be recorded. This novel approach represented a considerable expansion to the operational data collected concerning Victim Operated Explosive Devices such as mines, booby-traps and victim operated Improvised Explosive Devices from the field. Previously few if any details about individual accountable mines were collected. The trial proved that is it entirely practical to collect such levels of data without impeding operational efficiency. It also showed that such data has significant benefits for quantitative operational risk management, as well as overall operations and quality management. For example, the recording of mine depth alongside excavation times enables oversight of individual excavation speed and management of any risk identified.Item Open Access Introducing Bayesian belief updating as a method to counter improvised explosive devices: a qualitative case study on identifying human behaviours associated with explosive chemical precursor diversion(Springer, 2023-08-21) Collett, Gareth; Ladyman, Melissa; Temple, Tracey; Hazael, Rachael; McNaught, Ken R.Countering improvised explosive devices (C-IED) is a significant theme of the twenty-first century, particularly in regions with limited governance and a fragile rule of law. Many strands of activity are involved, with human interaction proving difficult to predict. However, Bayesian belief updating (used across several academic fields to provide insight into human behaviours) has never been considered. Given the breadth of C-IED, this research focusses on a state affected by conflict, and where illicit diversion of explosive chemical precursors (ECP) for IED manufacture is supported by the population. It aims to represent (both visually and probabilistically) a methodology by which human relationships could be better understood, thereby promoting belief updating as new evidence becomes available. Such belief updating would refine focus and improve resource mobilisation.Item Open Access Investigating residue dissolution of insensitive high explosives in two sandy soil types: a predictive modelling approach(Elsevier, 2023-09-15) Gutierrez-Carazo, Encina; Dowle, James; Coulon, Frederic; Temple, Tracey; Ladyman, MelissaThe demand for munitions that are less likely to detonate accidentally has led to an increased use of Insensitive High Explosives (IHE), which contain substances like 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and 5-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (NTO). These substances have different properties compared to traditional explosives, and their potential environmental impact is not well understood. When these explosives are used in live-fire training exercises, their residues end up in the soil. It is important to determine how these residues dissolve and enter the soil. This study aimed to experimentally measure the rate at which an IHE formulation dissolves when exposed to rainwater with pH levels of 5.0 and 6.5, and to simulate how these residues dissolve and move through two different soil types. The dissolution rates were determined by conducting experiments in which IHE particles (30–60 mg) were exposed to water with varying pH levels and temperatures. The results showed that the dissolution rate of NTO did not vary with pH, while the dissolution rate of DNAN and RDX decreased with decreasing pH. Specifically, the dissolution rate of DNAN decreased from 18 ± 40 μg min−1 at pH 6.5 to 6 ± 4 μg min−1 at pH 5.0, while the dissolution rate of RDX decreased from 8 ± 4 to 3 ± 1 μg min−1. These findings were used to develop a stochastic model that successfully simulated the concentration of IHE in the leachate from soil columns over time. A sensitivity analysis revealed that while dissolution rates determined the amount of mass entering the soil, they did not significantly regulate the amount of mass that migrated through the soil and leached out of the soil columns.