Center to Conduct Explosive Studies

Penn State has established a Protective Technology Center to study the hazards associated with explosive attacks. Its purpose is to develop methods to ensure the safety of U.S. government and military personnel and facilities under terrorist bomb threat.

Dr. Theodor Krauthammer is director of the new center. He is known for developing methods to reduce the hazards associated with blast, shock and impact to buildings under attack.

“We’re going to perform research on a broad range of areas related to the problem, including issues related to blast, the behavior of buildings and materials, and computer simulations of pre and post explosive event building conditions,” Krauthammer explains.

The Center team will also develop guidelines on how to design better facilities and how to retrofit existing buildings.