THE SHOCK-TO-DETONATION TRANSITION IN SOLID EXPLOSIVES
Abstract
Experiments on the initiation of detonation in cast and pressed explosives, subjected to plane shocks introduced at a plane surface, are discussed. Shock amplitudes ranging from 28 to 140 kilobars in the explosive were generated by using plane wave lenses with various combinations of donor explosive and barrier composition and geometry. The shock velocity was obtained in each sample as a function of distance of travel into the wedge-shaped specimen from distance time records obtained with a smear camera. The resulting curves for cast explosives are found to be quite different from those for pressed explosives. Cast TNT exhibited a result anomalous to the other cast charges. The observations are interpreted as showing evidence that hot-spots must be present behind the shock to explain the rapidity with which the detonation is established. Sources of hot-spot formation are suggested. The results obtained at the lower shock amplitudes when compared to results on the gap test lend support to the idea that peak pressure and pressure history in the shocked elements of explosive are far more important than wave shape in determining the time for transition to detonation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 13, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0407933
Entities
People
- B. E. Drimmer
- S. J. Jacobs
- T. P. Liddiard Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory