An Investigation of the Material Hazard of Some Insensitive High Explosives

Abstract

A number of insensitive high explosives (IHE) and formulations which were determined to have unexpectedly high sensitiveness by Rotter impact testing (F of I 60-110) were further assessed by Rotter powder explosiveness testing. Analysis shows that the hazard as reflected by the ability to propagate following ignition, was low. Risk, defined as the product of hazard and frequency (F of I), was similar to assessment based on US impact test data for these materials. An assessment of both the usefulness and the quantitative nature of powder explosiveness testing is made. Guidelines for using Rotter data for deciding relative risk from handling of relatively small quantities of IHEs in R & D are given. The desirability of carrying out charge hazard testing to support these risk assessments is stressed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243242

Entities

People

  • Luciana Montelli
  • Robert J. Spear

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Energetic Materials
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • High Explosives
  • Impact Tests
  • Insensitive Explosives
  • Lead Azides
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Risk
  • Standards
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Systems Analysis and Design