Split Time Study with Arduino Base Device for the Measurement of Detonation Times in Blasting Caps

Abstract

Inaugurators are essential factors in blasting systems, as snares can not be touched off without them. A notable progress in inauguration technology is the creation of electronic detonators, a process that gauged two decades. Although these systems are more precious, they give advanced safety and security. Electronic inauguration systems challenge traditional ways, as electronic detonators deliver lesser delicacy than their pyrotechnic counterparts. This technology effectively resolves challenges associated with-inter-hole and row- to- row firing configurations. The perfection of detention timings between holes and rows has been significantly enhanced by electronic inauguration systems. likewise, the perpetration of Electronic Delay Detonators offers colorful benefits, similar as better gemstone fragmentation, dropped ground climate, and reduced air over pressure and back break. Wireless inauguration systems mark a significant advancement in the mining, construction, and underground tunneling sectors. These systems comprise both software and tackle rudiments for inauguration control, exercising translated wireless communication within the control unit. The remote wireless inauguration system has been designed with slice- edge network security technology

Introduction

I. Introduction

Detonators are vital components in both military and mining operations. They ensure precise and reliable ignition of explosives used in:

• Munitions

• Demolition

• Landmines, bombs, and anti-tank weaponry

• Ore extraction (surface and underground mining)

Key processes such as drilling and blasting require detonators to efficiently fragment material while adhering to safety, environmental, and economic constraints.

II. Detonators: Types and Components

A. Types of Detonators

1. Electric Detonators – Activated by electrical current.

2. Non-Electric (Shock Tube) – Triggered via shock waves.

3. Time-Delay Detonators – Detonate after a preset time.

B. Basic Components

• Casing – Protects internal parts.

• Primary Explosive – Highly sensitive (e.g., lead azide).

• Secondary Explosive – Powerful, less sensitive (e.g., RDX, PETN).

• Pyrotechnic Delay – Controls timing of explosion.

III. Split-Time Study Using Arduino-Based Device

To offer a low-cost and portable alternative to high-speed cameras and VoD meters, an Arduino-based timing system was developed. It’s designed for accurate detonation timing and analysis in field conditions.

A. Principle of Operation

• Detonation is detected when a circuit is broken (voltage drop from 5V to 0V).

• Arduino’s internal clock records the time of detonation accurately.

B. Equipment Used

• Arduino Mega microcontroller

• Breadboard for prototyping

• LCD screen for data display

• MicroSD card for data storage

• Custom PCB for field-ready configuration

C. Testing Setup

• Detonations measured by severing signal wires.

• Time captured between 2 ms and 1 s (suitable for surface and underground mining).

• Four-channel oscilloscope used to validate timing accuracy.

• Field tests conducted at a secure explosives depot with 90-meter signal wire setup.

IV. Testing and Results

• Five test sets conducted with 500 ms delay detonators of varying pyrotechnic batches.

• Times measured using both Arduino device and oscilloscope.

• Delays ranged from -71 ms to +119 ms from the nominal 500 ms mark.

• Results helped assess:

  • Pyrotechnic burn speed

  • Consistency of detonation delay

  • Necessary tube cutting sizes for uniform timing

Observations:

• Arduino measurements were generally accurate, with minor deviations.

• Enabled cost-effective and real-time testing.

• Supported the determination of pyrotechnic rod sizes for timing precision.

Conclusion

This device proficiently records split times at various phases of detonation, facilitating an in-depth analysis of initiation performance and uniformity. Experimental findings validate that this method can yield high-resolution time measurements, making it applicable for research, quality assurance, and field testing scenarios. Additionally, the incorporation of digital data logging improves usability by making the interpretation and comparison of results more straightforward. Future enhancements could include the addition of faster sensors, wireless data transmission capabilities, and automated analysis software for real-time monitoring. this project offers a budget-friendly, portable, and scalable solution for measuring detonation times in blasting caps, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency within the field of explosive engineering.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Gaurav R. Morghade, Dr. I. A. Khan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.