Measurement of Critical Diameter, Shock and Impact Sensitivity of a Special Propellant
Abstract
The results of an experimental investigation of the critical diameter, and shock and impact sensitivity of the LOVA-X1A propellant are described. The detonation velocity was determined as a function of charge diameter for the propellant. The critical diameter lies between 0.245 and 0.375 in. for the bare charge. The shock sensitivity for initiating detonation in the propellant was determined by a gap test technique. The results, together with the results of projectile impact tests on solid disks of the propellant determined earlier, are discussed and examined in terms of the sensitivities of materials given in the literature. The critical initiating shock pressure and critical ignition energy are estimated. It is shown that the LOVA-X1A propellant is relatively insensitive to initiation compared to most cast explosives and propellants in use today. The sensitivity of stacked small grains of the propellant to projectile impact was also determined. The tests showed that the response of the grains at a large projectile diameter was always deflagration; whereas at small diameters no sustained reaction was produced. No detonation was produced by the impact. Recommendations for additional studies are given.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA100726
Entities
People
- D. L. Aldrich
- Frieda L. Gillespie
- G. P. Stillman
- Jan Y. Wong
- L. Zernow
- W. H. Andersen