Development of Explosive Ripper with Two-Stage Combustion

The staged combustion technique is an extension of an earlier concept of increasing the rock-ripping capability of the standard D7F Caterpillar tractor. The objective of this contract was two-fold; one, to demonstrate that the entire fuel/air explosion system could be conveniently mounted on the D7 ripper tractor. Secondly, to produce the same combustion pressure as obtained on previous REDSOD (Repetitive Explosive Device for SOil Displacement) devices using a small 20 psig blower and a diesel fuel/air mixture. The project results are presented in three basic sections of this report: First, the analysis and model testing of the staged combusion concept; Next, the design and equipment development necessary to adapt the device to the tractor; Finally, a discussion of results of the staged combustion device concept.