The Effect of RDX Crystal Defect Structure on Mechanical Response of a Polymer-Bonded Explosive

Abstract

An explosive composition, derived from AFX-757,was systematically varied by using three different qualities of Class I RDX. The effect of internal defect structure of the RDX crystal on the shock sensitivity of a polymer bonded explosive is generally accepted (Doherty and Watt, 2008).Here the response to a mechanical non-shock stimulus is studied using an explosion-driven deformation test as well as the ballistic impact chamber. No correlation between RDX crystal quality and deformation sensitivity is observed. The DDT behavior (Deflagration to Detonation Transition)of the three plastic bonded explosives, although similar in composition, is distinct regarding the rate of diameter increase in the explosion-driven deformation test. Recovered polymer bonded explosive from the explosion-driven deformation test responds equally fast or slower in the ballistic impact chamber. Based on our experimental results the shear rate threshold as a single parameter describing mechanical sensitivity is challenged, and preference is given to the development of an ignition criterion based on intergranular sliding friction under the action of a normal pressure.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 09, 2015
Accession Number
AD1014625

Entities

People

  • Antoine E. Van Der Heijden
  • Richard H. Bouma

Organizations

  • Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Crystal Defects
  • Detonations
  • Energetic Materials
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Geometry
  • High Explosives
  • Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene
  • Ignition
  • Impact Tests
  • Materials
  • Munitions
  • Plastic Bonded Explosives
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Propellants
  • Standards

Readers

  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Rocket Propulsion.