AN EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO DETERMINE THE SENSITIVITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS TO IMPACT BY REGULAR FRAGMENTS
Abstract
An experimental program was conducted to establish the sensitivity of explosives to the impact of regular steel fragments. Non-spinning rectangular fragments of 0.2 to 3.0 ounces were projected by explosive means at velocities both above and below that required for detonation. Velocities were measured by screens and by high speed photography. All data were obtained using either Pentolite or Cyclotol explosives. The results of the tests were compared with a relationship between fragment mass and boundary velocity (below which detonation will not occur) established by Picatinny Arsenal and based on data from small fragment tests. The tests with uncased charges tended to confirm the predicted relationship for all fragment weights fired at Pentolite and for the small and intermediate fragments fired at cyclotol. A modification in the predicted mass velocity relationship may be required to more accurately define the boundary velocity for heavy fragments (3.0 oz) impacting in Cyclotol. These tests demonstrated that with uncased charges the Picatinny Arsenal relationship will tend to be conservative when used to predict boundary velocities for safety purposes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 29, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0477875
Entities
People
- Donald G. Mclean
- Donald S. Allan
Organizations
- Arthur D. Little