Impact Sensitivity of Wetted Primary Explosives as Determined by the Ball Drop Test

Abstract

The effects of a number of liquids and liquid mixtures in sensitizing primary explosives were investigated by the ball drop method. Partly wetted lead azides were found to exhibit enhanced sensitivity to impact as compared to like compounds in the dry state. Lead styphnate and tetracene were desensitized by all experimental liquids. A tentative explanation of this effect is advanced in terms of the role played by liquids in causing desensitization or sensitization, according to the degree of wetting and the existence of confinement which would prevent dissipation of impact energy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0742209

Entities

People

  • B. D. Pollock
  • R. F. Gentner

Organizations

  • Picatinny Arsenal

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Azides
  • Containers
  • Diameters
  • Dissipation
  • Drop Tests
  • Dry Materials
  • Experimental Data
  • Explosives
  • Geometry
  • High Pressure
  • Impact Tests
  • Laser Dyes
  • Lead Azides
  • Materials
  • Probability
  • Sensitivity
  • Styphnates

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Rocket Propulsion.