Course overview
This course provides a focused, practical overview of commercial explosive products, initiation systems, and their use across real-world commercial applications. Participants strengthen their technical understanding of explosive fundamentals and learn how to evaluate product and initiation choices with an emphasis on safety, risk management, and introductory blast design considerations. The course is designed for learners who want to advance their knowledge beyond the classroom and build career-relevant competence in commercial explosive technologies and applications.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
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Explain essential terms and foundational concepts used in commercial explosives
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Summarize the history of commercial explosives and initiation systems
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Describe basic chemistry concepts relevant to explosive performance
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Identify, compare, and select commercial explosive products and initiation systems for specific applications
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Explain the detonation train and how initiation components work together
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Describe the basics of blast design and key practical considerations
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Recognize and manage common blast risks, including flyrock, overpressure, and vibration
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Describe safety considerations, risk assessment procedures, and related documentation practices (including SSOPs)
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Identify mitigation approaches and discuss typical limits/constraints used in practice
Topics covered
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Basic terms and definitions
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History of commercial explosives
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Basic chemistry of explosives
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Initiation systems overview
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Detonation train fundamentals
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Comparison of commercial explosive products
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Commercial explosive applications
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Basics of blast design
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Safety considerations and risk assessment procedures
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SSOPs and insurance considerations
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Flyrock mitigation
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Overpressure and vibration limits
Quizzes
Quizzes are given after each section on material covered in the lectures to assess comprehension.
Student presentation
Each student will choose a different commercial application and present:
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What explosives and initiation system they would use and why
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Safety considerations and efforts to mitigate risk
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An overview of relevant calculations (as applicable)
Students are also expected to answer questions about their presentation.
Final written examination and certificate
A final written examination will demonstrate student learning. Upon completion of the course requirements, participants will earn a certificate of completion.
Instructor / organization
Petr Explosives Group is a private explosives training company based in Golden, Colorado. The company was founded by Dr. Vilem Petr, a former Colorado School of Mines professor with over 20 years of experience in explosive education, research, and industry. Guest speakers may be included as part of the lecture content.
Course text
Explosives Engineering — Paul W. Cooper.
