A novel computer model has been designed to aid in the formulation of powdered Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil (ANFO) explosives. This mathematical model calculates heats of explosion, oxygen balances and raw material costs as a function of explosive ingredients. The best theoretical formulation consists of 91.5 % ∼ 92.0 % ammonium nitrate (AN), 4.5 % ∼ 5.0 % wood powder (WP), 3.0 % ∼ 3.5 % composite fuel oil (CFO). This formulation results in an oxygen balance of zero or close to zero.
ANFO explosive, Ammonium nitrate, Computer aid, Formulation design.