Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut (EMI) in Germany have developed a software tool that reportedly calculates the impact of homemade explosives used in terrorist attacks.

According to its developers, the tool, which is a risk analysis system, could be used to prevent future terrorist attacks, while also eliminating the costly and time consuming reconstruction process following a detonation.

To determine the impact of a homemade explosive at a public event such as a marathon, researchers used the system to develop explosive simulations, demonstrating the damage of explosive devices based on factors including the distance shrapnel will likely travel, type and amount of explosive material used and the material used to encase the explosive material at assorted thicknesses.

"We can calculate which fragments are produced and accurately predict their initial velocity and angle of projection," explained Dr. Katharina Ross, mathematician and research fellow at Fraunhofer EMI. "On the basis of this information, we can then develop precise algorithms."

Consequently, the team can use the tool to calculate the damage associated with specific homemade explosive devices.

The team believes that once fully developed, the tool could aid law enforcement and enable organizers of well attended events like a marathon to prepare for terrorist attack scenarios, considering efforts for keeping attendees safe and mapping out evacuation zones.