1. What is Net Explosive Weight?

Net Explosive Weight (NEW) is a standardized measure of explosive potential calculated by multiplying the total mass of an explosive by its explosive factor. It's used by the Army National Guard for safety and regulatory purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Mass \) — Total mass of the explosive material in kilograms
• \( Explosive\ Factor \) — Decimal representing the relative effectiveness of the explosive compared to TNT

Explanation: The explosive factor accounts for different types of explosives having different energy densities compared to TNT (which has a factor of 1.0).

3. Importance of NEW Calculation

Details: Accurate NEW calculation is crucial for determining safe storage distances, transportation requirements, and regulatory compliance for explosive materials.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical explosive factors?
A: Common factors range from 0.5 to 1.3 depending on the explosive type (e.g., C4 = 1.34, ANFO = 0.8, dynamite = 0.75-1.0).

Q2: Why is NEW important for the National Guard?
A: It standardizes explosive potential for safety protocols, storage requirements, and transportation regulations.

Q3: How precise should measurements be?
A: For safety-critical applications, measurements should be precise to at least 3 decimal places.

Q4: Are there different calculation methods?
A: Some specialized explosives may require adjusted calculations, but the basic NEW formula is standard.

Q5: Where can I find official explosive factors?
A: Consult military or ATF publications for authorized explosive factors for specific materials.