An Evaluation of Liquid Explosives for Foxhole Digging

Abstract

Five new explosive formulations were screened for possible use in foxhole digging. Three of them were based on nitromethane/nitroethane/RDX (NM/ NE/RDX), with viscosities varying from liquid through slurry to paste. The other formulations were: (1) a two-part gelled slurry mix, DBA-208X, submitted by the IRECO Chemical Corporation, and (2) a two-part liquid formulation, LLTX G-2, submitted by the Explosives Corporation of America (EXCOA). After testing, the liquid NM/NE/RDX was selected as the most promising formulation for fulfilling the requirements of ENSURE 279-K because of its superior handling, performance, and sensitivity characteristics, as well as its moderate cost. Suggestions for improving the use of liquid explosives in cratering are also given. Finally, the 3.5-in. M28A2 HEAT rocket warhead is evaluated for its capability to produce boreholes in permafrost as a prerequisite for placing explosive cratering charges.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADB029348

Entities

People

  • Robert T. Schimmel
  • Shepherd Levmore

Organizations

  • United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Chemistry
  • Cold Regions
  • Engineering
  • Explosions
  • Explosive Charges
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosives
  • Liquid Explosives
  • Low Temperature
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Munitions
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Rocket Warheads
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Petroleum Engineering