Characteristics of JAX Gun Propellant
Abstract
To increase the performance of 120-mm kinetic energy tank rounds, propellant made by adding up to 30% ground RDX to JA2 (JAX) has been manufactured and tested. While the performance goals of the JAX were met, its response to shaped charge jet attack in several different vulnerability tests was much more violent than that of JA2 alone. This unexpected violent response of JAX propellants has been documented. In the attempt to understand the mechanism responsible for this response, the deposition of dry crystalline RDX on exposed JAX surfaces was discovered. This crystalline formation was detected during a routine morphological examination using a scanning electron microscope, and the crystals were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) surface Microreflectance. A wicking mechanism has been proposed to explain this phenomenon. Thermal, chemical, aging, and morphological investigations were performed to substantiate this mechanism. The information gathered indicates that the RDX deposition process occurs in all JAX propellant and may occur in other JAX-like materials. Since JAX undergoes continuous morphological change with temperature and time, there are important safety implications for the storage and handling of these materials, as well as questions concerning their subsequent suitability for use in weapon system. It was also found that standard safety tests do not indicate the presence of the deposited RDX. All of these findings are documented and the implications are discussed
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283644
Entities
People
- Joseph M. Heimerl
- Robert J. Lieb
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory