skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Nature of the buildup to detonation in solid high explosives during plane shock initiation. [PBX-9404 and PBX-9502]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5375765

Two models for the initiation process are compared to results of experimental studies of initiation of detonation in two high explosives, PBX-9404 (HMX-based) and PBX-9502 (TATB-based), by sustained shock waves. A critical examination of the model known as single-curve buildup is made. Several comparisons are made with experimental results for the two explosives. The model describes the observed shock trajectories moderately well although it has some limitations. These are manifested by an examination of the relation between input pressure and distance of run to detonation. The data are also compared with model solutions for the initiation process which assume self-similar flow. The model can fit the experimental shock trajectory reasonably well but difficulties are encountered in attempting to complete the solution for the entire flow field. For PBX-9404, published pressure-time profiles are examined for self-similar character. The measured profiles show substantial disagreement with the similarity model.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
5375765
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-80-329; CONF-800809-3
Resource Relation:
Conference: 18. combustion symposium, Waterloo, Canada, 17 Aug 1980
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English