A Study of the Feasibility of Developing a Low Sensitivity CC (Conducting Composition) Cap for Raufoss 20 mm Ammunition,

Abstract

The possibility of developing a conducting composition (CC) cap which meets the performance specifications of the M52A3B1 CC cap yet possesses significantly decreased sensitivity to initiation has been examined. Two-component mixes consisting of a primary explosive and a conducting component were investigated. Five materials were assessed as alternatives to normal lead styphnate RD1303 but all were found to be unsatisfactory either through excessively high sensitivity to energy delivered by capacitor discharge or excessively long functioning times. RD1303 of smaller crystal size than the normal production type also leads to undesirable sensitivity increases. Five graphites/carbon blacks were assessed in admixture with RD1303. Merck synthetic graphite and Tintacarb 90 and 140, which combine properties of both carbon blacks and graphites, produced mixes which met specification and exhibited substantially decreased sensitivity. Further testing of mixes based on these materials is recommended. Keywords include: Primers (explosives), Electrical primers, Caps (explosives), Initiators (explosives), Conducting compositions, Lead styphnate, Graphite, Carbon black, Sensitivity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA155007

Entities

People

  • L. D. Redman
  • R. J. Spear

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ammunition
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Detonators
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosive Trains
  • Explosives
  • Explosives Initiators
  • Igniters
  • Ignition
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Munitions
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Particle Size
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Standards

Readers

  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Rocket Propulsion.