Development of Explosives - Liquid Explosives
Abstract
A gelled nitromethane explosive has been produced which should be satisfactory for use in clearing mine fields by the method of blanketing the field with an explosive which, on detonation, causes destruction of mines planted in that area. This explosive, a composition of nitromethane, Code No. 1, and ethylenediamine, is a non-syneresing gel which can be projected to form a blanket 1/16 in. thick and which when initiated by a Corps of Engineers Special Blasting Cap detonates high order. A variety of viscosities can be obtained by changing the nitromethane/Code No. 1 ratio - the more Code No. 1, the more viscous the gel. A composition, 90.4/4.6/5 - nitromethane/Code No. 1/ ethylenediamine, was evaluated and was found to have a Sand Test value of 45.6 grams of sand crushed and a rate of detonation ranging from 5000 m/sec in a thickness of 1/16 in. to 7000 m/sec in a thickness of 1-1/4 in. An attempt was made to increase the power of the sensitized nitromethane by dissolving various high explosives in it. Of the number investigated, none sensitized the nitromethane sufficiently to cause high order detonation and it was necessary to use ethylenediamine to sensitize the mixtures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1951
- Accession Number
- AD0595291
Entities
People
- A. L. Forchielli
- L. H. Eriksen
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal