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  1. #21
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    Yes it will leave a crater like that. Think of all the force on the top of the ground that caused damage to buildings a distance away. The same wave is directed downward. Inverse square law for energy from a point source at a distance.

    What is interesting is that ammonium nitrate itself isn't flammable or explosive at most temperatures, it requires either a fuel source (to make things like ANFO) or very high temperature to start decomposing. Unfortunately it turns out a bunch of fireworks stored next to / with it might be enough for that

  2. #22
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    One has to wonder, seeing as the substance is used in creation of mining explosives, maybe the reason it was stored for so long was militant group pressure on government? Pretty well known

  3. #23
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    Quote Originally Posted by atunguyd View Post
    Yeah I can believe that. Not sure how Ammonia Nitrate compares to TNT but the Little Boy bomb was the equivalent of 18 000 Tons of TNT so 3000kg of Ammonia Nitrate could be a fifth of little Boy.
    Not totally comparable. TNT is a high explosive (more effective as a cutting charge). 'Low' explosives such as ANFO cause far, far more damage. If this had been an airburst, and located above the city centre we would be talking about a debris field that used to be called Beirut.
    "Always remember to pillage before you burn"
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  4. #24
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Not totally comparable. TNT is a high explosive (more effective as a cutting charge). 'Low' explosives such as ANFO cause far, far more damage. If this had been an airburst, and located above the city centre we would be talking about a debris field that used to be called Beirut.
    *************************
    Yes, this also answers some posters questions, half that explosion was lost into ground and a lot of it deflected off ground. Even if it had been on a small hill or second story height position, it would have been far far worse. Every time I look at site I think it was about as lucky a spot in town as possible to have happened. (besides the obvious - out of down - at sea - on a desert plain)

  5. #25

    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Not totally comparable. TNT is a high explosive (more effective as a cutting charge). 'Low' explosives such as ANFO cause far, far more damage. If this had been an airburst, and located above the city centre we would be talking about a debris field that used to be called Beirut.
    Sort of on this note. I watched over weekend a Documentary on 186 or 181. About large scale military bombs thats non nuclear.

    They showed the American MOAB Mother of all Bombs. Which is incredibly heavy and suppose to cause huge damage. Then just when you think this is impressive. They show the Russian FOAB. Father of all Bombs. Which is far lighter then the US MOAB but is thermobaric device. Sort of first gets chemicals in air and then ignites it. Creating a 44ton TNT type explosion. Which is devastating as it is an airburst type explosion as you mentioned.

  6. #26
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    One has to wonder, seeing as the substance is used in creation of mining explosives, maybe the reason it was stored for so long was militant group pressure on government? Pretty well known
    Story in the paper this morning is that it was a cargo of fertiliser originating in Georgia and destined for Mozambique. Ship had problems and docked in Beirut. The crew left and the cargo was taken off and stored in the warehouse.
    Port manager had complained about it for many years to no avail.
    It seems they have some chronic government efficiency problems.
    One has to wonder, seeing as the substance is used in creation of mining explosives, maybe the reason it was stored for so long was militant group pressure on government? Pretty well known

  7. #27
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital


  8. #28
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

    Quote Originally Posted by curious george View Post
    12 minutes of drivel I’m afraid.

  9. #29
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    Default Re: Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital




    Lebanon's entire govt set to resign!!

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