Richard Turcotte - Safety and Security of Energetic Materials
Name: Richard Turcotte
Field of expertise: Safety and Security of Energetic Materials
Education: Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, McGill University
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario
What he studies
Dr. Turcotte uses thermal analysis techniques and various other experimental techniques to characterize the thermal decomposition, combustion, and detonation properties of energetic materials such as mining and military explosives, propellants for ammunition, and pyrotechnics for fireworks. His research also includes the development of new testing protocols for explosives and other unstable substances.
What is the importance of his research?
Dr. Turcotte’s research is aimed at improving worker safety in the client industries (such as the commercial explosive industry or the chemical industry) and reducing the threat to the public from explosives and other energetic substances. These research results also help industry translate their ideas safely into commercial products and processes. Safety and security-related research is also performed to support new government regulations and policies.
Interesting fact
The scale of modern mining operations now requires that very high volumes of commercial explosives be handled. This is achieved by the use of ammonium nitrate-based emulsion explosives, which are delivered using powerful pumping systems at mining sites. Recent research work led by Dr. Turcotte was aimed improving safety for such operations.
Current research project
Dr. Turcotte currently leads various safety related joint research projects with the world’s largest commercial explosives manufacturers. In one particular project, instrumented pumps and mixers being used to manufacture and deliver emulsion explosives are being run to destruction under various abnormal scenarios in order to define the hazards they might represent.
Key publications
Badeen, C., Turcotte, R. Hobenshield, E., Berretta, S. (2011). Thermal Hazard Assessment of Nitrobenzene/Dinitrobenzene Mixtures. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 188, 52 - 57.
Turcotte, R., Goldthorp, S., Badeen, C.M., Feng, H., Chan, S.K. (2010). Influence of Physical Characteristics and Ingredients on the Minimum Burning Pressure of Ammonium Nitrate Emulsions. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 35, 233 - 239.
Turcotte, R., Goldthorp, S., Badeen, C., Chan S.K. (2008). Hot-wire Ignition of AN-based Emulsions. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 33, 472 - 481.
Please note that the preceding links are provided for readers' convenience. Where NRCan does not hold the copyright, there may be a cost for downloading or purchasing the material.