Explosion on a Single Molecule Level: A Conceptual Model Based on Ionization and Fragmentation of TNT under Electron Impact

Abstract

Several studies of the mass spectra of nitroaromatic compounds have appeared in recent literature with emphasis on either analytical applications or on the modes of electron impact fragmentation. The chemistry of the nitroaromatic compounds is of considerable interest to the field of explosives because of the central role played by TNT (2-4-6-trinitrotoluene) in a wide variety of armaments. Electron impact studies of explosives and related substances were initiated in this laboratory in order to provide a comparison with other modes of decomposition such as by heat, light and ionizing radiation. The knowledge thus gained should provide an insight into the nature of the chemical species and processes preceding detonation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA056414

Entities

People

  • Suryanarayana Bulusu

Organizations

  • United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aromatic Compounds
  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Decomposition
  • Dissociation
  • Energy
  • Explosives
  • Ionization
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Mass Spectra
  • Mass Spectrometers
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Organic Compounds
  • Photochemical Reactions
  • Spectra

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics