Developing A Novel Small‐Scale Test to Predict Large‐Scale Explosivity

Abstract

There is a need for small‐scale (gram) tests that accurately predicts large‐scale (kilogram) detonation performance of energetic materials. Many attempts have been made to create such tests, but they are either too narrow in scope [1–3] or fail to demonstrate correlation with large‐scale behavior [4–9]. When creating regulations relative to safety and transportation, accurate small‐scale tests are crucial to organizations such as the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Herein is reported small‐scale (15 g) detonation tests which can be reasonably correlated to large‐scale results. The protocol utilizes a ” diameter rate stick, booster to overdrive the sample, seeding with RDX, and evaluation of the run distance to failure using optical techniques. By these means we hope to develop reliable safety information prior to scaleup of production.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Oct 19, 2022
Source ID
10.1002/prep.202200136

Entities

People

  • James L. Smith
  • Jimmie C. Oxley
  • Justin Hunter

Organizations

  • United States Military Academy
  • University of Rhode Island

Tags

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Rocket Propulsion.