Assessment of a Melt-Castable NTO/TNT Formulation
Abstract
Melt-castable NTO/TNT explosive formulations have been identified as possible candidates to replace RDX/TNT to meet Australian Insensitive Munitions obligations. Such formulations could be processed in existing ADI industrial facilities with minimal alterations to plant. A baseline 50:50 NTO/TNT formulation, designated ARX-4002, has been developed. ARX-4002 can be processed using traditional melt-cast techniques and exhibits reduced sensitiveness in comparison to Composition B and H-6. The molten slurry is less prone to sedimentation problems, however, viscosities are increased and lower solid loadings possible than for Grade A RDX. Velocity of detonation and detonation pressure were experimentally determined at 7370 m/s and 22.6 GPa respectively. Performance of ARX-4002 is thus less than for Composition B, however, the intrinsic sensitivity of ARX-4002 is expected to be greatly reduced as indicated by the large critical diameter (22.5-25.5 mm).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA382082
Entities
People
- Matthew D. Cliff
- Matthew W. Smith
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group