TNAZ Based Melt-Cast Explosives: Technology Review and AMRL Research Directions
Abstract
1,3,3-Trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) is a new melt-castable explosive with the potential to replace TNT in melt-cast munition fillings. TNAZ possesses an extremely high energy density and, if used in melt-cast systems could substantially increase the performance of currently used munitions. The purpose of this review is to examine work performed to date and identify technology gaps AMRL can address to further this technology. The chemical synthesis of TNAZ is well advanced with pilot plant production underway in the United States. chemical and physical characterization has been extensively performed; however, certain sensitiveness results vary and will require further examination. Thermal decomposition studies have been performed and show similar trends with decomposition occurring via consecutive NO2 losses. Calculated and experimentally measured explosive properties show TNAZ to have performance similar to HMX, the most powerful commonly used energetic material, and offer a 30-40% improvement over TNT. High quality pressed TNAZ charges have been produced, but melt-casting of TNAZ has not yet been perfected. It is suggested that future AMRL research directions should include an examination of some of the technological problems existing with TNAZ; in particular, overcoming melt-cast difficulties, examining TNAZ as a TNT replacement in TNT/nitramine melt- cast fillings, and assessing the performance and sensitiveness/ sensitivity of TNAZ/ nitramine compositions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA355878
Entities
People
- Duncan S. Watt
- Matthew D. Cliff
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group