High Explosive Equivalency Tests of Large Solid Propellant Motors
Abstract
Nine solid propellant motor hazard tests and six high-explosive tests were conducted to evaluate the explosive potential of large Class 2 and Class 7 solid propellant motors. Test parameters which were varied during the program were propellant type, weight, and orientation and explosive booster type and location. The results of these tests, combined with data from seven previous tests conducted indicate that, under the stimulus of a relatively small (50 to 100 lb) explosive booster, the Class 7 motors tested are capable of producing blast yields averaging 130% of TNT, and the Class 2 motors produced yields as large as 40%. When a Class 7 motor with an explosive booster was placed in intimate contact with a Class 2 motor, yields, based on the total propellant weight, ranged from 105 to 123%. The estimated yields for the Class 2 motors alone ranged from 87 to 119%. In tests in which a Class 7 motor with an explosive booster was placed near, but in intimate contact with, a Class 2 motor, the estimated yields for the Class 2 motors alone ranged from 30 to 50%, considerably lower than the yields obtained in the intimate-contact tests. The separation distances used ranged from 3 to 18 inches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0849540
Entities
Organizations
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake