Watching the microstructure during shock initiation of energetic materials
Abstract
This project is an experimental study of microstructure dynamics during shock initiation of energetic materials in the form of plastic bonded explosives. Microstructure refers to the arrangement of explosive grains, fine powders and polymer binders. This project will use the unique “shock compression microscope” developed in the Dlott laboratory. It allows researchers to initiate tiny engineered explosive charges with precision laser launched 0 6 km-s flyer plates while looking inside the explosive with time and space resolution of 1 ns and 3 micro meter. The shock microscope has optical and optomechanical diagnostics that produce ultrahigh speed videos while monitoring the pressure, density, energy, temperature and composition in real time. In order to develop a fundamental understanding of microstructure effects, the model explosive charges will be fabricated with a single, or perhaps a small number, of explosive grains embedded in a polymer binder that itself may be loaded with explosive or inert powders. Highspeed movies will be made of representative types of grains of several widely used explosive materials such as HMX and PETN. The sensitivity of individual grains to shock initiation will be measured as a function of shock strength and duration. The explosion temperatures of individual grains will be measured and compared to temperatures in bulk plastic explosives. This work will develop new and transformative methods to understand this extremely complicated problem at a deep and fundamental level. Such an understanding is needed for revolutionary advancements in future Air Force weapons and propulsion capabilities, and to rigorously test and inform simulations of energetic materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910227
Entities
People
- Dana D. Dlott
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign