The Effect of Light Casings on the Blast Parameters from a Spherical Charge of RDX/TNT 60/40

Abstract

The report examines the blast wave parameters obtained from an 8 lb spherical charge of RDX/ThT cased in aluminium, lead, magnesium or steel. Three different case thicknesses of aluminium were examined, two of lead, two of magnesium and one of steel. The shock wave profile was recorded with side-on piezo-electric pressure gauges placed between 4 and 20 ft away from the charge. High speed cine films were taken of the fireball growth. Peak overpressure and impulse enhancement over the values from an uncased RDX/TNT charge were obtained only from the thickest lead casing. All the aluminium, magnesium and steel casings gave a reduction in pressure except at the furthest distance from the charge. The thinnest casings of aluminium, lead and magnesium all produced impulses of the same value as those from an uncased charge.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1968
Accession Number
ADA474290

Entities

People

  • D. J. James
  • Valerie J. Bishop

Organizations

  • Atomic Weapons Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aluminum
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Blast
  • Blast Waves
  • Cameras
  • Color Film
  • Detonations
  • Electric Detonators
  • Explosions
  • Explosive Gases
  • Explosives
  • Gages
  • Measurement
  • Metals
  • Overpressure
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Shock Waves

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.