Microstructural Origins of Hot Spots in RDX Explosive and Several Reference Inert Materials.
Abstract
The research effort over the past three years to investigate the microstructural basis for hot spot formation in RDX explosive is summarized. THe microstructure and the deformation and fracture behavior of various laboratory-grown and production-grade RDX crystals have been investigated and compared to selected reference inert materials, particularly MgO and MgF2. Microstructural characterization was accomplished using a number of x-ray diffraction techniques, including the Laue method, Berg-Barrett x-ray topography, and powder diffractometry, and by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Several types of controlled deformation experiments have been performed by microindentation hardness testing. The initial stages of chemical decomposition in plastically deformed and fractured RDX have been studied. The fractoemission behavior of RDX crystals fractured in compression and in three-point bending was determined, and the concentrations of two nitroso compounds formed during drop-weight impact testing were measured, Infrared emission was measured during the drop-weight impact deformation of PETN explosive crystals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA158223
Entities
People
- C. S. Coffey
- D. J. Glover
- J. C. Hoffsommer
- R. W. Armstrong
- W. L. Elban
Organizations
- University of Maryland