Energetic Residues from the Expedient Disposal of Artillery Propellants
Abstract
Military live-fire training missions utilizing mortars and howitzers frequently generate excess propellant charges. Disposal of this propellant is often done on-site and is referred to as expedient disposal. Investigations into energetics residues resulting from expedient disposal of propellants began in 2002 with the collection of residues inside and outside a propellant burn structure. These residues contained very high concentrations of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene, an indication that the burning process was not complete. Other informal tests were conducted, indicating the same results. In 2006 and 2008, a series of tests were conducted on snow using propellants from various mortar cartridges. In one test, 10 charges of mortar propellant were burned on snow and the residues collected and analyzed. Over 15% of the original nitroglycerin content was recovered. In 2008, two series of tests were conducted, one involving winter disposal of mortar propellants, the other summer disposal of howitzer propellants. These tests, conducted under controlled conditions, indicate that the environmental setting and climatic conditions can influence the efficiency of expedient propellant disposal by three orders of magnitude.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA536510
Entities
People
- Alan D. Hewitt
- Marianne E. Walsh
- Michael R. Walsh
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory