KA-111, Phase C, M-1 Propellant Tests: Deflagration in Partial Confinement.
Abstract
When a propellant material is stored under confined condition, US and NATO explosives safety regulations require that the safety hazard quantity- distance (Q-D's) used for Hazard Class 1.1 (mass detonating) explosives be applied, rather than the less restrictive Q-D's normally used for propellants and other Class 1.3 materials. This is based on the assumption that high gas pressures produced by an accidental burning of propellant in a confined volume will cause the burning (deflagration) to transition to a detonation. To test this assumption, a series of experiments were conducted in which increasing amounts of propellants were ignited and burned inside a heavy concrete structure with an internal chamber volume of 5 m3. Pressure and temperatures were measured inside the chamber, in a connecting exhaust vent, and in the free field beyond the exhaust vent pipe. Although there was no evidence that a detonation occurred, the high gas pressures produced by burning of the largest propellent charge (250 kg) were sufficient to fail the structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240185
Entities
People
- Charles E. Joachim