Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL)

Related terms

ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)

A low-sensitivity bulk explosive mixture of prilled ammonium nitrate (94 per cent by weight) and fuel oil (6 per cent). The primary...

Blast Seat

The origin point of an explosion, characterised by a crater (in contact detonations), radiating damage patterns, and the highest concentration of explosive...

Commercial Pyrotechnic Powder

Low explosives (black powder and flash powder) extracted from commercially available fireworks. Used in the Boston Marathon bombing devices. Not subject to...

Daubert Standard

The US federal evidentiary standard (Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 1993) requiring that expert testimony be based on scientifically valid methods with...

HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine)

A peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Detected by LC-MS/MS as...

Ion Chromatography (IC)

An analytical technique that separates and quantifies anions and cations in solution. In post-blast residue analysis, IC detects nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and...

RDX (Research Department Explosive)

Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (C3H6N6O6). A military-grade secondary high explosive with a detonation velocity of approximately 8,750 m/s. The primary explosive in the 1993 Mumbai...

TATP (Triacetone Triperoxide)

A cyclic peroxide explosive (C9H18O6) synthesised from acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and an acid catalyst. Sensitive to friction, heat, shock, and prolonged storage....

VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device)

An IED concealed in or as a vehicle, using the vehicle's fuel and body mass to enhance the blast and complicate detection....

Explained in

• Major Bombing Casework: Oklahoma, Mumbai, 7/7, Boston, ManchesterThe DSTL-operated laboratory at Fort Halstead, Kent (UK), responsible for explosives identification and device analysis in UK terrorism cases. UKAS-accredited...