Explosive Safety Testing at New Mexico Tech: The Brower Adiabatic Compression Test
Abstract
A new hazard test has been developed at the Research Center for Energetic Materials at New Mexico Tech in which bubble compression ignition of liquid or solid material is simulated under well defined conditions of temperature and pressure. Small samples of the test explosive are placed in a piston-cylinder apparatus and a drop weight, usually 1 kg, is used to initiate rapid compression ignition. A series of drop heights can be used to vary the ignition conditions. The rebound energy imparted to the drop weight from the ignition is measured. The temperature and pressure conditions, typically in the ranges 800-2000 K and 200-1200 atm, are determined from the compression ratio and nature of the gas in the chamber. Chemical analysis of the residual explosive or product gases can be performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism of the ignition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA520386
Entities
People
- D. B. Olson
- K. R. Brower
- P. A. Persson
Organizations
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology