1. What is Net Explosive Quantity?

Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) is a measure of the explosive power of a substance, calculated by multiplying the mass of the explosive material by its equivalency factor relative to a standard explosive (typically TNT).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the NEQ equation:

Where:

• \( Mass \) — Mass of the explosive material (kg)
• \( Equivalency \) — Relative effectiveness factor compared to TNT (decimal)

Explanation: The equivalency factor accounts for the relative explosive power of different materials compared to TNT (which has an equivalency of 1.0).

3. Importance of NEQ Calculation

Details: NEQ is crucial for safety assessments, blast radius calculations, storage requirements, and regulatory compliance in handling explosive materials.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and equivalency as a decimal (e.g., 0.75 for 75% as powerful as TNT). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is TNT equivalency?
A: TNT equivalency compares an explosive's energy output to trinitrotoluene (TNT), where TNT = 1.0. For example, RDX has an equivalency of about 1.6.

Q2: How is equivalency determined?
A: Equivalency is typically determined through experimental testing measuring blast pressure, impulse, or other explosive characteristics.

Q3: What are typical equivalency values?
A: Common values range from 0.2-2.0, with most conventional explosives between 0.7-1.6 relative to TNT.

Q4: Does NEQ account for different explosion types?
A: Basic NEQ calculations don't distinguish between detonations and deflagrations. More complex models may be needed for specific scenarios.

Q5: Is NEQ used for nuclear weapons?
A: While nuclear yields are often expressed in TNT equivalents, different calculation methods are used due to vastly different energy release mechanisms.