Air Compression Heating Ignition of High Explosives in the Launch Environment
Abstract
Compressive heating ignition has been the subject of extensive analytical and experimental study at the Ballistic Research Laboratory. The experimental investigation was conducted using an apparatus referred to as the activator, originally designed at Picatinny Arsenal as a laboratory-scale artillery setback simulator. Several explosives have now been tested. These are TNT, composition-B (comp-B), composition A3 (comp-A3) type II, R8151 (German formulation for the 120 mm round), LX-14, and EARK-25 (an experimental intermolecular explosive). Pressurization rate and cavity size are the principal parameters governing compressive heating ignition. Although ignition may be inhibited by limiting the peak pressure, this did not appear to occur in the activator. Studies of precompression of both cut and polished and as cast surfaces indicated that the state of the explosive surface grossly affects sensitivity to thesis ignition mechanism. Sensitivity is greater for surfaces which have been precompressed. Geometries which generate convergent airflow yield ignition with milder stimuli than are required with planar geometries. TNT was found to be more sensitive than comp-B when both were pecompressed. Comparison of unprecompressed explosives using bubble test showed that TNT was less sensitive that comp-B and indicated that precompression more effectively seals TNT surfaces. The slow burning of TNT allowed quenching of reaction in the activator and recovered samples showed evidence of burning along fissures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA164961
Entities
People
- Doenee L. Mcfadden
- John Starkenberg
- Lewis H. Ervin
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory