Development of the IMX (Intermolecular Explosives) Double Direct Process

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to develop a new explosive based on eutectic blends of ammonium nitrate with ethylenediamine dinitrate and its homologues, and to assess the safety and performance characteristics of these formulations. Various processes for making these formulations were attempted and will be described. Mixes have been scaled energy enhancement and sensitization. The neat eutectic is very insensitive so various additives were used to ensure detonation. A historic problem has been that of phase stabilization; this problem has been that of phase stabilization; this problem has not been solved to everyone's satisfaction, but it does not appear to be insurmountable. Formulations were evaluated from the standpoint of processing, performance, and sensitiveness. These materials appear to have great potential as military explosives because of their good performance, low cost, safety case of processing, and compatibility with current Army melt-cast ammunition loading plants.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 02, 1982
Accession Number
ADP004449

Entities

People

  • E. J. Pacanowsky
  • L. J. Vande Kieft
  • W. W. Hillstrom

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additives (Chemicals)
  • Ammonium Nitrate
  • Detonations
  • Energetic Materials
  • Energy
  • Exothermic Reactions
  • Explosives
  • Heat Energy
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Melting Point
  • Nitric Acid
  • Phase Transformations
  • Propellants
  • Rocket Oxidizers

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Systems Analysis and Design