Deflagration-to-Detonation in HMX-Based Propellants
Abstract
The objective of the research was to develop the capability of assessing the deflagration-to-detonation transistion (DDT) hazard in HMX-based propellants. Theoretical and experimental studies were undertaken to elucidate mechanisms of DDT, to establish conditions for its occurrence, and to formulate a satisfactory model for its quantitative description. The theoretical studies were concerned with the thermo-hydrodynamic treatment of DDT. Equations governing flames treated as reactive discontinuities were derived, and conditions were established for shock formation in front of an accelerating flame. Model solutions to the one-dimensional equations governing an accelerating flame in a closed table were constructed and examined to gain an insight into DDT. In the experimental study, an assembly was designed to allow incorporation of stress gages into propellant charges during the casting process, thereby eliminating the expensive machining and grooving operations conventionally used in constructing targets for Lagrange gage experiments. DDT experiments were performed in steel and Lexan confinement with propellant supplied by Edwards Air Force Base. However, internal pressure histories were recorded for the first time in a DDT experiment in the compressed propellant confined by steel. The gages recorded time periods of 300-500 microns, and peak pressure in the 2.5 to 4 kbar region. The limited pressure buildup is attributed to the small percentage of HMX in the propellant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA118616
Entities
People
- M. Cowperthwaite
- W. J. Murri
Organizations
- SRI International