The IMX Double Direct Process.
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to develop a new explosive based on eutectic blends of ammonium nitrate with ethylenediamine dinitrate and its homologues and to assess the safety and performance characteristics of these formulations. Various processes for making these formulations were attempted and will be described. Mixes have been scaled from several grams to 30 kilograms. Additives were introduced for stabilization, energy enhancement and sensitization. The neat eutectic is very insensitive so various additives were used to ensure detonation. A historic problem has been that of phase stabilization; a recently discovered solution to this problem, incorporation of 15-wt-% potassium nitrate with the ammonium nitrate, was used in this study. Normally, stabilizing ammonium nitrate with potassium nitrate requires working with the molten materials at elevated temperatures and processing them into prills. A unique feature of the process described in this report is that stabilization is accomplished in the melt kettle, with all other required ingredients and at much lower temperature. Formulations were evaluated from the standpoint of processing, performance, and sensitiveness. These materials appear to have great potential as military explosives because of their good performance, low cost, safety, ease of processing, and compatibility with current Army melt-cast ammunition loading plants. The double direct process, developed here, was found to yield an explosive with less sensitiveness and less impurities than that produced by other processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146250
Entities
People
- E. J. Pacanowsky
- L. J. Vande Kieft
- W. W. Hillstron
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory