BLAST MITIGATION TEST (Stuttgart 1987)
The following photographs depict a blast mitigation test against a fragment retaining curtain called Securagard™, which is designed to prevent fragmentation from an improvised explosive device and the shattered window glass from entering into the window of hardened facility. These photos show how the fragment retaining curtain is designed to encapsulate the higher velocity, higher weight fragments. This is accomplished through the energy of the fragment being absorbed throughout the mesh, unraveling and wrapping itself around the fragment(s).
The improvised explosive device is an industrial fire extinguisher filled with 6kg (13.2lbs.) of ammonium nitrate, with standoff distance of 1 meter (39 inches) and detonated. The glass is a 5mm (3/16" inch) annealed glass single-ply pane. The explosion shattered the glass pane. The fragment retaining curtain allowed the over blast pressures to vent through the opening while the glass fragment impacted the mesh and fell to the ground. The encasement fragmentation from the explosive device also impacted the mesh. The lighter smaller fragments fell to the ground, while the heavier faster traveling fragments ended up being encapsulated or "wrapped" within the mesh. There is no tearing or punctured holes within the aluminum mesh.
	1.   The Securagard™ curtain is hung behind the window glass pane and allowed to drape down without anchoring on the sides or bottom.
	2.   This photo shows just how easy the mesh is to see through. It is similar to a shear Cloth curtain, but the metal curtain does allow for more direct visibility through it.
	3.   The fire extinguisher can clearly be seen. The cylinder walls are made of steel.
	4.   This clearly shows the 1 meter standoff distance from the face of the window. The Securagard™ blast retaining curtain can be seen anchored at the head directly behind the window glazing.
	5.   The explosive is detonated by a blasting cap inserted into the top of the cylinder. Notice the encasement fragment in the center of the blast being thrown upward.
	6.   This photo clearly shows the front of the blast wave passing through the curtain. At this point the glass is completely shattered and the encasement  fragment has been encapsulated within the curtain.
	7.   This photo shows ground debris being thrown outward in all directions.
	8.   The final debris coming to rest during the dispersion of the smoke.
	9.   This photo shows the front of the opening. The shattered glass fragments can be seen on the sill of the opening. These were prevented from entering through the opening by the fragment retaining curtain. They did not have enough weight to allow them to be encapsulated within the mesh. This glass weighs 2.45 lbs./sq. ft.
	10.   This photo shows the rear (inside) of the window opening. Some of the shattered glass is shown entangled in the mesh after falling and holding it away from the wall.
	11.   This  photo shows the front of the encasement fragment where it impacted the curtain and became encapsulated within it.
	12.   This photo shows the encasement fragment encapsulated within the curtain. You can clearly see how the mesh unwound and dispersed the fragments kinetic energy thereby allowing the fragment to become encapsulated within the mesh coils.