Experimental investigation on door breaching using explosives and its effects on room occupants

Abstract. Among the methods for creating breaches in metal doors, the one using explosives is as rapid as it is demanding, both in placing explosive charges based on the door type and also regarding the effects on the intervention team and personnel behind the door. On the other hand, among the existing explosive charges, those propelling water jets and producing a pushing effect on the door are the most widely used, primarily due to their utilization of small amounts of explosives and minimal impact on the intervention personnel. Despite the numerous systems developed globally, the dependence on the door sheet type, the positioning of the explosive charge, and the effects on the intervention team and room occupants are aspects that require continuous research. This paper presents the results of experimental research regarding the creation of breaches in metal doors using explosive devices for water jet propulsion with an asymmetric closed sandwich configuration. The research is focused on metal doors, where the door face either is a continuous sheet of metal or comprised of parts made of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF). The explosive charges consist of a maximum of 25 g PETN in the form of a detonating cord and are placed in the locking system area. The effects of water jets on the neighboring door and occupants behind the door are monitored. Additionally, the effect of a delay on the order of milliseconds between charges is considered when two explosive devices are used. The obtained results show that although the explosive devices and their placement have the effect of creating the breach in the door, the effects on room occupants can be significant and must be taken into account when deciding to use such breaching methods.