High-Temperature Explosives for Insensitive-Munitions Applications

Abstract

We are developing new energetic structures expected to have superior insensitivity characteristics and superior performance characteristics relative to currently used insensitive high explosives. The chemical structures proposed herein are a series of zero- to low-hydrogen-content, polynitro, polycyclic heteroaromatic compounds based on novel nitrogenous heterocycles. By analogy to other nitrated nitrogenous heterocycles, which have been discovered to exhibit superior insensitivity properties, the proposed derivatives are predicted to have similarly attractive stability characteristics. The new compounds are expected to be high-density materials with explosive yields comparable to or better than hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) but with high melting points, comparable or better shock sensitivity, and significantly better thermal stabilities. This project is being conducted as a collaboration, via a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), with Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Co., Chandler, AZ, which provides independent funding for its comparable contribution to this effort.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA443867

Entities

People

  • J. W. Fronabarger
  • R. D. Chapman
  • R. D. Gilardi

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemistry
  • Energetic Materials
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • High Explosives
  • Information Operations
  • Insensitive Explosives
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Military Operations
  • Munitions
  • Nitrogen Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Thermal Properties
  • Thermal Stability

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Systems Analysis and Design