Determination of Detonation Parameters of Booster Explosives at Small Diameter Charges
Abstract
An experimental method for determining velocity of detonation (VOD) of unconfined explosives at small charge diameters has been developed. The experimental technique uses readily available components and is relatively easy to set up. VOD is measured by ultra-high speed streak photography; variation in magnification on the streak record has been detected. VOD was determined on conventional booster explosives based on RDX/polyethylene wax (PEW), DNBF, and two candidate insensitive booster explosives PBXW-7 and ADNBF. All were pressed to 80-95 %TMD (theoretical maximum density), and diameters ranged from 12.75 mm to 1.52 mm. A surprisingly strong dependence between the critical diameter (dc) estimated from these firings and %TMD was observed. It is suggested that further measurements should be made for explosives pressed to 80-95 %TMD, which is typical of production filling and where only very limited data are available. Comment is made on the potential of PBXW-7 and ADNBF to replace conventional booster explosives in fuzes for insensitive munitions. Keywords: Australia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA220352
Entities
People
- Michael G. Wolfson
- Robert S. Spear
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group