The Sensitivity of Several Explosives to Ignition in the Launch Environment

Abstract

We have completed testing of the sensitivity of Composition B (Comp B), TNT, Composition A3 (Comp A3) Type II, LX-14, PBXW-113, PBX-0280 and PBX- 0280/PE to ignition by the combined effects of air compression and deformation. Comp B exhibits one of the highest sensitivity levels and responds violently. The data for TNT provide no reason to believe that it is less sensitive to ignition than Comp B. Composition A3 Type II may be considered the least sensitive explosive tested. It exhibits a moderately high level of response violence. LX-14 exhibits a sensitivity intermediate between those of Comp B and Comp A-3 Type Ii and reacts very violently. PBXW-113 is by far the most sensitive in this test. It also produces the mildest response. The sensitivity of PBX-0280 is generally greater than that of Comp B. PBX-280/PE, on the other hand, appears quite insensitive. Our results can be explained most satisfactorily in terms of each explosive's tendency to deconsolidate, or break up into small particles, during cavity collapse. Keywords: Explosives; Plastic bonded explosives; Projectiles launching; Setback sensitivity; Premature explosion; Adiabatic compression; Explosive deformation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA221581

Entities

People

  • Deborah L. Pilarski
  • Doenee L. Mcfadden
  • John Starkenberg

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Compression
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Geometry
  • Ignition
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Microsecond Time
  • Particles
  • Plastic Bonded Explosives
  • Sensitivity
  • Shear Pins
  • Surface Warfare
  • Violence

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Rocket Propulsion.