Stress wave propagation and attenuation in soil explosions from typical explosives: in-situ experiments and numerical analysis

Understanding the explosive performance of earth-penetrating weapon charges in soil is essential for designing underground protective structures. In this study, in-situ stress wave measurements of TNT in soil were conducted using a borehole charging method, comparing normal and lateral sensor installation configurations. Field tests then used G2, a charge whose formulation resembles that of the AFX-757, to quantify stress wave attenuation and to benchmark it against TNT. A numerical model was developed, validated against experimental data, and used to analyze stress wave propagation and parameter effects. The results show that dynamic soil pressure effects are significant in the near field. At equal charge mass, TNT produces lower lateral stress and impulse than G2. Under equivalent charge conditions, the stress induced by G2 is lower than that predicted by equivalence, with increasing discrepancy at larger scaled distances. Greater burial depth raised peak stress but accelerates attenuation, whereas a larger charge aspect ratio concentrated radial energy and reduced attenuation. These findings provide practical guidance for sensor deployment in soil explosion and inform the design of underground protective structures.