Initiation, Detonation Propagation, and Computational Studies for Submunitions Containing Amatex-20
Abstract
Computational and experimental support of Air Force alternate explosive fill development for the BLU-61 and BLU-63 submunitions is reported. A scheme worked out for calculating the flow following detonation of Amatex-20 (20/40/04 RDX/TNT/AN) uses the JWL equation of state, together with an energy addition of 200 cal/g one microsecond after the detonation front has passed. Cylinder test data from several laboratories are compared and shown to be in good agreement. Casing breakup is estimated to occur after 46 % radial expansion in the BLU-61 bomblet and after 23% radial expansion in the BLU-63 bomblet. An aquarium experiment, detonation wave arrival measurements, and detonation parameter measurements are described. Amatex-20 with either 500 micron or 10 micron particle size AN is shown to be initiated satisfactorily with a standard A5 booster. No differences in booster initiation were observed when detonator base charge weights of 40 and 80 mg of PETN were used. Detonation velocity and detonation pressure measurements, made with small charges, are given. The failure of Amatex-20 loaded bomblets to break up on some of the scored lines is attributed to the inferior metal fragmenting ability of this explosive, relative to the preferred fill. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA024227
Entities
People
- H. D. Jones
- H. M. Sternberg
- N. L. Coleburn
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory