ExploSim 

1. What is ExploSim for? 

ExploSim answers two questions: ‘How close is too close?’ and ‘What would happen if …?’.  For the first time, users can ‘see’ explosive effects in their real-world environment without causing those effects. ​​

 

2. Has ExploSim been validated against actual explosions? 

Yes, ExploSim uses the Kingery and Bulmash calculations, which are well validated in field trials and are used as the basis for recognised hemispherical free field air-blast. An internet search for “Kingery Bulmash,” “Validate Kingery Bulmash,” and “Validate CONWEP” will result in many papers and authoritative references that validate the accuracy of the Kingery Bulmash calculations in field trials.  The calculations were cross-referenced against other blast software. 

 

3. What injuries does ExploSim show? 

ExploSim is designed to show blast lethality (centred on 207 kPa ~30 psi); blast injury (> 28 kPa ~4psi). It also shows if the receiver is in range of the calculated lethal fragmentation distance. 

 

4. What if I am wearing a bomb suit? 

When bomb suits or other protective equipment are worn, the readings will need to be adjusted.  Depending on the type and effectiveness of the protective equipment, for the injury indication (Orange LED) it may be considered that blast injury has not occurred.  If the lethal indicator (Red LED) illuminates, the operator may not have suffered lethal injury; they would certainly be damaged, not least by being projected by the blast.  

 

5. How does ExploSim show structural damage? 

The ExploSim injury indication roughly equates, depending on a range of variables, to a ‘normally reflected pressure’ of >70 kPa, which exceeds the point at which structural failure will occur.   Therefore, an Orange or Red LED on the receiver indicates significant structural damage in the immediate area.   

 

6. How accurate is ExploSim? 

Accurate to within 12.5% over distance, which is a reasonable emulation of the real world, given the real-world variations of blast effects, particularly over distance due to composition, orientation, detonation, confinement, and placement of the explosive in conjunction with environmental effects such as altitude, humidity, and wind. The 12.5% variation equates to a variation in pressure from 27.5 kPa (4 psi) to 42.7 kPa (6 psi).  

 

7. Who else makes something like this? 

ExploSim is unique; international patent searches and presentations to international conferences have proven this.  There is no other system that emulates explosive effects by using RF energy. 

 

8. How does ExploSim show explosive effects by using RF energy? 

We have developed a system that uses specific signals within the 2.4GHz frequency and proprietary software so when the transmitter sends the signal representing the explosion, each receiver unit determines if it is in the range that equates to: blast lethality or injury, fragment injury, or significant structural damage.   The details are Commercial-In-Confidence. 

 

9. Does ExploSim need to link to my WIFI? 

No, ExploSim establishes its own WIFI network, which does not link to any other network.  It is usable wherever WIFI is permitted. 

 

10. Can I use ExploSim with the public around? 

Yes, ExploSim has been used in crowded places without the public knowing.  Team members were issued with receivers, the transmitter was programmed, positioned where wanted, and triggered.  The EAVI (ExploSim Audio Visual Indicator) can be used (with or without sound) to inform team members that the signal has been sent.  They can then check their receivers. 

 

11. Can ExploSim account for reflected blast waves? 

Yes, although RF energy and blast (hydrodynamics) reflect in very different ways, we have developed a process whereby the receivers can determine if additional signal/pressure is being received from reflections. 

 

12. Can ExploSim ‘wrap around’ objects like a blast wave? 

No, the one thing RF can not do is wrap around an object in the manner in which a blast wave will. 

 

13. What explosives does ExploSim use? 

Any explosive the user wishes.  The system comes pre-loaded with 25 commercial and military explosives and 9 pre-programmed IEDS.  Users can purchase the ‘Custom Mode’, which enables them to enter their own explosive based on a known TNT equivalency based on energy released. 

 

14. What is the range of ExploSim? 

250 m (~820 feet).  This is considered adequate for training areas, particularly where multiple syndicates may be operating. 

 

15. Can ExploSim be used as a firing system? 

No, ExploSim can not be used to initiate an actual explosion. 

 

16. Are there any restrictions when shipping or transporting ExploSim? 

ExploSim has been designed and built to meet IACAO and IATA transport requirements for carriage on passenger aircraft.   The batteries are designed and fitted so they do not require Dangerous Goods Declarations for transport (confirm with the carrier).  The Transmitter, External, and EAVI batteries are:

“UN2800 Batteries, Wet, Non-spillable SP A67 applies. NOT-RESTRICTED.  1 @ 2.4 kg 12V 7.2Ah (86.4Wh)”.  The Receiver batteries are: “UN 3481 Lithium Ion batteries.  6 @ 0.080 kg (total of 0.480 kg), 3.7V 2.2Ah 8.14Wh (total of 48.84Wh <100 Wh) in compliance with PI 967 Section II”.   

ExploSim is a commercial product not controlled by ITARs or other regulations. 

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