Counter-Terrorism: Blast Containment

SRI has a facility dedicated to the evaluation of explosive detection systems (EDS). We prepare a wide variety of explosives and improvised explosive devices in actual threat quantities, place them in baggage or on a personal carry-on bag with explosives, and have them exposed to various explosive detection systems equipment inside buildings. This procedure is the most realistic evaluation possible of an EDS.

When a terrorist's explosive bomb or improvised explosive device (IED) is found, ultimately it must be neutralized. As an interim measure, small bombs or devices can be placed in containers designed to contain or redirect the potential explosion. In partnership with NABCO, Inc., SRI has developed two such containers. The SpinSafe container affords quick access and closure and can contain explosive charges up to three pounds. The MIND container, made entirely of nonmettalic materials, directs blast and fragments upward and away from people and is suitable for pipe bombs or other charges of up to one pound in weight.

At right: Poulter Laboratory worked with the National Safe Skies Alliance to evaluate airport security procedures and the performance of equipment designed to detect threats such as guns, knives and explosives. SRI replicated all aspects of a real airport security checkpoint at its remote test facility. Former airport security screeners operated the equipment and performed physical searches on luggage and people. Multiple explosives were used in the demonstration and were physically segregated to prevent possible cross-contamination that could have led to false readings by the detection equipment. SRI conducted nearly a thousand tests.