Performance of Gamma Chamber under blast loading

Gamma Chambers carrying radioactive source are transported in public domain and in addition are also used in various research laboratories and industries and hence the associated security concerns are important. With increase in global terrorism, these devices can potentially be targeted. Hence, it is imperative to study the performance of Gamma Chambers under blast loading. Numerical simulations were carried out using finite element analysis and later verified by experimental tests. There is a good agreement between the simulated and experimental results. The results show that there is hardly any damage to the containment of the Gamma Chamber under blast loading of 10 kg TNT equivalent charge at 1 m stand-off distance from the surface of the Gamma Chamber. However, components in the lower part of the Gamma Chamber get deformed exposing lead when 10 kg TNT equivalent charge is detonated below the main body of the Gamma Chamber. Post blast microstructure study was carried out to know the mode of fracture. It is concluded that the Gamma Chamber maintains its structural and shielding integrity under the conditions simulated in this experiment.