Teaching

Courses Taught

Exp Eng 5612 – Principles of Explosives Engineering

Theory and application of explosives in the mining industry; explosives, initiating systems, characteristics of explosive reactions and rock breakage, fundamentals of blast design, drilling and blasting, regulatory and safety considerations.

• Semester taught: Every Fall Semester

Exp Eng 5622 – Blasting Design and Technology

Advanced theory and application of explosives in excavation; detailed underground blast design; specialized blasting including blast casting, construction, and pre-splitting. Introduction to blasting research. Examination of field applications.

• Semester taught: Every Spring Semester

Exp Eng 5711 – Explosives in Industry

Overview of how explosives are applied in various industrial settings.  Focus is placed on the general application, identification, and necessity of explosives in industry.  Topics include explosive use in surface and underground mining, road development, construction, utility placement, demolition, oil, gas, and underwater. 

• Semester taught: Fall Semester of Odd Years (e.g. 2023, 2025)

Exp Eng 5914 – Explosives Manufacturing

History of industrial explosives from discovery to what is used today. Manufacturing processes for packaged and bulk explosives are explored along with specialty explosives such as detonating cord, cast boosters, detonators, shaped charges, and commercial fireworks. Field manufacturing of explosives by mixing or gassing is also covered.

• Semester taught: Spring Semester of Even Years (e.g. 2022, 2024)

Exp Eng 5922 – Advanced Tunneling and Underground Construction Techniques

Advanced topics in mechanical and conventional excavation techniques in underground tunneling and construction.  Topics include tunneling layouts design, equipment and performance modeling, ground control systems including support, drainage, and structural integrity.  Construction specifications, advance rate and contractual and cost estimation.  Students will complete a research paper or project report.

• Semester taught: Spring Semester of Odd Years

Exp Eng 6412 – Environmental Controls for Blasting

Advanced blast mechanics; overbreak control including comprehensive coverage of perimeter and smoothwall specialist blasting techniques and geotechnical factors affecting blast vibration, limits analysis monitoring and control; air blast control including limits, monitoring and atmospheric and topographic effects.

• Semester taught: Fall Semester of Odd Years

Teaching Methods and Approaches

Methodology of content delivery varies by class. Often consist of powerpoint presentations, group work, hands-on learning, etc. Distance students can expect recordings and lab videos with regular meeting availabilities for questions.

Student Engagement

I encourage student engagement through active participation in discussions, group projects, and presentations.

Office Hours

By appointment only. Email me at kperry@mst.edu