GROWTH OF COMPOSITION B TYPE CHARGES
Abstract
The growth of Composition B-type charges was investigated because of its potential safety hazard during firing. The explosives tested were Composition B, Composition B/calcium silicate (99.5/0.5), Composition B4 and TNT. These ex plosives were either standard or vacuum melted and cast in XM83 Bursters. The interior of the burster tube was coated with either acid-proof black paint or MIL-P-22332 primer paint. Then these charges were subjected to 160 F for 15 days. The maximum growth (0.430 inch) was observed with Composition B when standard melted and cast into acid-proof black paint coated burster tubes. The addition of calcium silicate, vacuum melting the explosive and changing the interior coating to MIL-P-22332 primer paint reduced the growth considerably but did not eliminate it. The tests showed that Composition B4, when cast into MIL-P-22332 primer paint coated burster tubes, yielded the least growth (0.070 inch). Explosive growth cannot be entirely eliminated. However, by loading below the top of the tube, the growth can be tolerated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0404310
Entities
People
- Robert T. Schimmel
- Stanley J. Lowell
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal