Department of Mining Engineering Blasting and Explosives Laboratories

The Mining Department, through the University of Kentucky Explosives Research Team (UKERT), operates an underground and surface facilities to conduct instruction and research in explosives and explosions.

The facilities are located off-campus and hosted by a local aggregates company (Nally & Gibson) in Georgetown, KY. Instructors, students, and researchers carry on tests in the facility to provide first-hand experience in explosives' theory and practice and its effects on mining applications.

Underground and Surface explosion facility

A unique surface facility allows the setup of explosion tests using methane and coal dust on a real scale. The facility can replicate the recommended NIOSH pressure-time curves for underground coal mine explosions. In the facilities, underground mine components and devices (refuge chambers, communication devices, active barrier systems) are subject to methane and coal dust explosions. The effects of explosions produced by high explosives are researched in the underground facility.

Underground and Surface Explosion Facility

A unique surface facility allows the setup of explosion tests using methane and coal dust on a real scale. Our facilities span an aggregate mine in Georgetown, KY where we have multiple testing and research abilities, including a shock tube. The facility can replicate the recommended NIOSH pressure-time curves for underground coal mine explosions. In the facilities, underground mine components and devices (refuge chambers, communication devices, active barrier systems) are subject to methane and coal dust explosions. The effects of explosions produced by high explosives are researched in the underground facility.

UKERT Research Publications

Jhon Silva, Lifeng Li, Gernard Jeremy, “Reliability Analysis for Mine Blast Performance Based on Delay Type and Firing Time,” International Journal of Mining Science and Technology / Impact Factor:1.469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2017.07.004
Jhon Silva, Russell Lamont, “Dispersion Signal Analysis in a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar at the University of Kentucky,” Blasting and Fragmentation. Vol.12, No.2, 2017
Lifeng Li, Jhon Silva, “Use of Basic Statistics for the Overlapping Timing Analysis of a Single Blast Hole” Blasting and Fragmentation. Vol.9, No.2, 2015
Jhon Silva and Braden Lusk, “Signature hole method for ground vibration and airblast in mine blasting; Convolution or Superposition?” (2014) Blasting and
Kumar, D., Silva, J., and Sweigard, R.J. (2013), “Stability analysis for steep-slope mines reclaimed using the forestry reclamation approach”, SME-Transaction, 2013, Vol. 334, No1, pp.457-464.
Jhon Silva and Braden Lusk, “Monte Carlo Approach to Signature Hole Analysis”. 2013 Blasting and Vol. 7, No.1, pp. 47-62.
Lee, N., B. Lusk, Jhon Silva “Anfo Versus 100% Emulsion: Quantitative Assessment of Performance with Constant Drilling and Blasting Costs.” 2012, Blasting and Fragmentation Vol. 5 No. 3 ,pp. 123-144.
Jhon Silva and B.T Lusk, “Modeling of Signature Waves Based on Fourier Series for Blast Vibration Prediction”. 2012 Blasting and Fragmentation. Vol. 6, No.3, pp. 179-194.
Jhon Silva and B.T. Lusk, “Development of an equation describing signature waveform based on the Fourier series for blast vibration prediction”. SME-Transactions, 2012, Vol. 332, pp. 440-449.
T. Lusk, J.M. Hoffman, Jhon Silva, W.C. Wedding, E.G. Morris & J. Calnan “Evaluation of Emergent Electronic Detonators and Modern Non-Electric Shocktube Detonators Accuracy”. 2012 Blasting and Fragmentation. Vol 6. No.1, June 2012.
Lusk, B.T., Jhon Silva, J. Hoffman, “Case Study of Blast Vibration Induced Sounds Recorded Inside a House Near a West Virginia Coal Mine.” Transactions of Mining Engineering (May, 2010).
Lusk, B., Jhon Silva, “A Public Relations Plan Based on Structure Generated Sounds and Public Input.” The Journal of Explosives Engineering Volume 28 Number 1, Jan/Feb. 2011, pp. 34-43
Jhon Silva, Lifeng Li, “Deconvolution of Blast Vibration Signals by Wiener Filtering,” Submitted to Journal of Applied Geophysics/ Impact Factor:1.355. Status: With Journal
Jhon Silva, “A novel Methodology to Control and Predict Ground Vibrations from Mine Blasting,” Submitted to International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences/ Impact Factor:2.010. Status: With Editor
Jhon Silva, Russell Lamont, “Pulse Shaping Analysis in a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar at the University of Kentucky” Submitted to International Journal of Mining Science and Technology
Jhon Silva, Tristan Worsey, Braden Lusk “Practical Assessment of Rock Damage Due to Blasting” Submitted to International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences.

Department of Mining Engineering Blasting and Explosives Laboratories

Underground and Surface Explosion Facility

UKERT Research Publications

Publications

Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering