1. What is Net Explosive Weight?

Net Explosive Weight (NEW) is a measure of the explosive potential of a material, calculated by multiplying the actual mass of the explosive by its equivalency factor relative to a standard explosive (typically TNT).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Net Explosive Weight formula:

Where:

• Explosive Mass — Mass of the explosive material in kilograms (kg)
• Equivalency Factor — Relative effectiveness factor compared to TNT (decimal)

Explanation: The equation calculates the equivalent mass of TNT that would produce the same explosive effect as the given material.

3. Importance of NEW Calculation

Details: Accurate NEW calculation is crucial for safety assessments, transportation regulations, and proper handling of explosive materials in automotive applications like airbags and pyrotechnic devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter explosive mass in kilograms and equivalency factor as a decimal. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical equivalency factor for automotive explosives?
A: For airbag inflators, the TNT equivalency typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 depending on the specific chemical composition.

Q2: Why is NEW important for cars?
A: It helps determine safety requirements for transportation, storage, and handling of pyrotechnic devices used in airbags and other safety systems.

Q3: How is explosive mass measured?
A: Explosive mass should be measured precisely using calibrated scales, typically to at least 0.1 gram accuracy for small charges.

Q4: Are there regulations based on NEW?
A: Yes, many jurisdictions have specific regulations for handling, transporting, and storing materials based on their NEW values.

Q5: What's the difference between gross and net explosive weight?
A: Gross weight includes all packaging and non-explosive components, while net weight refers only to the actual explosive material.