Computer model simulates plane bomb blast

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- A new computer program that simulates explosions aboard passenger jets could lead to changes in U.S. airport safety procedures, officials say.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration says researchers at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque have created the first computer model that simulates a bomb blowing up an airliner. Officials hope it will be an improvement over the current practice of testing planes by detonating actual bombs in retired jets, USA Today reported Tuesday.

The accuracy of the computer model could allow the TSA to make quicker and more detailed decisions on what kind of items can be allowed onto jets and in what quantities.

"We can make any number of potential changes based on the results," TSA spokesman Christopher White told USA Today. "It could affect the amount of any given item we allow on board. It could affect our prohibited-items list."