A Calorimeter Designed to Determine the Heat-of-Reaction of beta-HMX as a Function of Pressure

Abstract

A constant volume - 'constant pressure' combustion calorimeter for measuring the heat generated by burning small samples of explosives at any fixed test pressure to 68,900 kPa (10,000 psi) is described. The heat-of-reaction measurement is determined within 345 kPa (50 psi) of the test pressure. The explosive beta-HMX is shown to undergo a reaction transition between 20,700 and 34,500 kPa (3000 and 5000 psi) during which its heat-of-reaction (Q) increases 427000 J/kg (102 + or - 6 cal/g). This transition occurs in the same pressure region as the discontinuity in burning rate previously observed for experimental gun propellants containing this explosive. The presence of this transition may lead to an explanation of this phenomenon.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA063601

Entities

People

  • R. W. Velicky

Organizations

  • United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Burning Rate
  • Calibration
  • Calorimeters
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Products
  • Energy
  • Explosives
  • Gun Propellants
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Of Reaction
  • Measurement
  • New Jersey
  • Particle Size
  • Propellants
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.