ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

Physical and Chemical Evidence Remaining After the Explosion of Large Improvised Bombs. Part 1: Firings of Ammonium Nitrate/Sugar and Urea Nitrate
Lowe, A
Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Fort Halstead, Kent

Williams, DR
FBI Laboratory, DC

Marshall, M
Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Fort Halstead, Kent

Hubbard, P
Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Fort Halstead, Kent

Phillips, SA
Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Fort Halstead, Kent

Burmeister, SG
FBI Laboratory, DC

(Received 14 March 1999; accepted 12 July 1999)

Abstract

Recent criminal acts in the United Kingdom, United States and other countries have demonstrated the dangers to public safety from the criminal use of improvised explosives on a large scale. Four sets of trials were carried out over four years, partly in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, involving the firing of large bombs, mostly fertilizer based. The principal objectives of the firings were to measure the physical effects of the explosions upon objects representative of those that would be found at a real bomb scene and to recover any chemical traces deposited on these objects. The results are intended for use as an aid in determining the approximate size and type of an explosive employed in a terrorist attack. This paper describes the background behind the trials, the procedures for preparation of witness materials and charges, and the collection and analysis of physical and chemical evidence.

Keywords:
forensic science, explosives, homemade explosives, improvised explosive devices, fertilizer, sugar, chemical residues, physical damage

Paper ID: JFS14685J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14685J
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