Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

This paper describes the methods employed for the measurement of the dynamic strains occurring in the structure of the large scale explosion test chamber at Cardington, during gas explosions produced within the chamber. The general considerations for the measurement of strain are discussed and particular reference is made to the choice of resistance foil gauges. Single active element, self temperature compensated gauges have been adopted for use in the experimental work. A limited number of results-are presented for illustrative purposes; more comprehensive results will be the subject of a later report. Strains produced within the structure have been extremely small for explosions of non-stoichiometric gas mixtures and vent covers of low bursting strength; much larger values have been obtained for stoichiometric gas mixtures. Modifications are at present in hand to increase the overall sensitivity of the system.