An Electrostatic Spark Sensitivity Test of Composition B
Abstract
The report describes an investigation related to the possibility that an accidental electrostatic discharge within a munition may initiate a Composition B main charge. The source, in the supposed mechanism, is a 1500- picofarad capacitor charged to a maximum of 3000 volts (67,500 ergs). The fraction of this energy available to the explosive, as a function of time depends on the circuit parameters and the arc characteristics. The test device used to simulate the discharge stress applied to the explosive employed a 0.05 microfarad capacitor charged to 3400 volts. Approximately 10% (300,000 ergs) of the stored energy appears in the spark gap with about a 0.2-microsecond time constant for the discharge. Repeated application of this discharge to the surface of the explosive did not initiate the Composition B. A method for measuring the energy in the spark gap is described. A mathematical model of the discharge circuit is developed and its predictions are compared with the experimental results. The potential of the test device for measuring the electrostatic sensitivity of explosives is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0721000
Entities
People
- Robert F. Gentner
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal