Simulation of Cookoff Results in a Small Scale Test,
Abstract
The fast and slow cookoff behaviour of two series of candidate insensitive booster compositions based on RDX/Elvax 210, and incorporating various amounts of PETN and TATB, has been numerically simulated using a one-dimensional finite difference code. The model solves a cylindrically symmetric heat flow equation for a mixture of two energetic materials with a time dependent boundary temperature. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity and specific heat of each of the explosives is included, as well as the effect of melting, and the effect of different kinetic schemes for the decomposition of the RDX. The simulations accurately reproduce the time to explosion and surface temperature at explosion for varying PETN concentration at both fast and slow heating rates, and also provide good agreement with experiment for varying TATB levels at the slow heating rate. However at the fast heating rate there is a divergence between the simulated results and experiment. The calculations clearly illustrate the need to include the temperature dependence of the thermal properties of the material, and a kinetic decomposition scheme appropriate to the degree of confinement, before good agreement between simulated and experimental results can be obtained. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA291133
Entities
People
- David A. Jones
- Robert P. Parker
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group