Cryofracture Demilitarization of Munitions (Phase II)
Abstract
The U.S. Army has mission responsibility for carrying out the demilitarization of obsolete conventional munitions currently in the stockpile. In support of this activity, efforts are underway to develop technologies that will accomplish the demilitarization in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The use of cryofracture to accomplish the task for small explosive loaded munitions is one of the technologies being developed. This report details the results of the second phase of testing conducted at Dugway Proving Ground. In this phase, area denial artillery munition (ADAM) mines, Rockeye II MK 118 antitank bomblets, M16 series antipersonnel landmines, and inert M483A1 projectiles were processed to expand the envelope of application of cryofracture as a demilitarization technology. Prior to conducting tests using live munitions, inert versions were used to establish parameters such as munition cool-down time and crush height of the press and verify the repeatability of the press tooling configuration to perform as intended. Data obtained from these tests, as well as the Phase I tests, are serving as the basis for the development of a prototype cryofracture demilitarization facility to be located at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, McAlester, OK.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA376451
Entities
People
- Andrew Lute
- John F. Follin