Is the impact sensitivity of RDX polymorph dependent?
Abstract
Impact-sensitivity predictions based on the vibrational up-pumping model show a strong polymorph dependency for RDX and highlight that one of the high-pressure forms, which forms during shock-wave experiments, is appreciably more susceptible to mechanical initiation. The origin of the predicted impact sensitivity variation can be attributed to vibrational mode hardening by pressure and to differences in the molecular conformation of RDX in the four polymorphs studied. These polymorphs present different distributions of molecular vibrations within their respective up-pumping windows, which leads to their varying ability to up-pump and trap the vibrational energy that arises from mechanical insult.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 28, 2023
- Source ID
- 10.1063/5.0145259
Entities
People
- Adam A L Michalchuk
- Carole A. Morrison
- Colin R. Pulham
- Imogen L. Christopher
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- University of Birmingham
- University of Edinburgh