The Tolerance of Birds to Airblast

Abstract : The response of birds to airblast was studied. The direct blast (overpressure) effects in quail, chickens, two-week-old chickens, and geese were determined by placing them at the end of a closed shock tube. Pigeons in-flight were subjected to blast from 64-lb charges. The criteria for direct-blast effects, based on the peak pressures, were no injuries, 5 psi; injuries, 10 psi; and 50-percent mortality, 20 psi. Blast-displacement effects were evaluated by translating quail, chickens, and pigeons from the end of a shock tube. The criteria for blast displacements, based on dynamic-pressure impulse, were no injuries, 5 psi.msec and injuries, 10 psi.msec. Curves relating these criteria as a function of charge weight and ground range were presented.