On May 23, 2024, commissioning shots were performed on the newly fabricated advanced blast simulator (ABS) at the CARES Lab, which is directed by Dr. Sarah A. Bentil at Iowa State University. “CARES” stands for “Characterizing And REsearching Soft materials”.
Advanced Blast Simulator (ABS) at Iowa State University
The ABS is oxyacetylene-driven, located in a newly renovated biosafety level 2 laboratory, and will support blast-induced injury (or damage) research. The length of the ABS is 43-ft (13.11 m). A 42-in. x 36-in. (1.07 m x 0.92 m) door is located on both sides of the ABS for sample insertion in the test section. The test section has a 4-ft x 4-ft (1.22 m x 1.22 m) cross-section.
Collaborators interested in blast exposure experiments, using biological and/or nonbiological samples placed inside the ABS, should email Dr. Bentil (sbentil@iastate.edu).
Advanced Blast Simulator (ABS) at Iowa State University
The Advanced Blast Simulator (ABS) was funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) through PANTHER (Physics-bAsed Neutralization of Threats to Human tissuEs and oRgans).