Model Studies of Energetic Compounds.
Abstract
Chemical explosives have been used as weapons for centuries, however, systematic physical and chemical studies of energetic materials have been carried out only since World War II. Even then, we still do not have a detailed knowledge of the exact species in the reaction zone or the applicable kinetic and reaction products of a detonation. Modern weapons are exposed to ever increasing severe environments such as aerodynamic heating and high shock pulses of extended duration in the msec range. Energetic materials capable of surviving this environment and functioning properly must be developed at a reasonable cost. Consequently, research is needed in thermal decomposition kinetics to understand the initiation process. In order to provide necessary shelf-life of energetic materials, we must develop the knowledge to predict the aging process of energetic materials under ambient conditions. This requires research in room temperature kinetics, and how the aging mechanism is affected by binders, etc. The initial objectives of this study included the following: (1) Determination of the mode of thermal decomposition of DATB (diaminotrinitrobenzene-DATNB) and TATB (triaminotrinitrobenzene-TATNB), and the identification of the molecular species produced. (2) Evaluation of the induction periods and energies of activation associated with the thermal decomposition of DATB and TATB. (3) Determination of binder properties of TNB (trinitrobenzene) by studying the DATB-TNB and TATB-TNB molecular complexes by stop-flow and static UV methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA098142
Entities
People
- W. Robert Carper
Organizations
- Wichita State University