Modeling low energy laser ignition of explosive and pyrotechnic powders

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:10150707

Glass, M W; Merson, J A; Salas, F J

Laser diode ignition (LDI) of explosives and pyrotechnics is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories as a replacement for low energy hotwire devices. This technology offers significant improvements in device safety due to the insensitivity to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The LDI system incorporates a laser diode source, a fiber optic cable to transmit the laser energy, and the energetic component. The laser energy is volumetrically absorbed by the explosive component causing its temperature to rise to its auto-ignition temperature. Substantial experimental work characterizing the optical ignition mechanism has been undertaken in support of the LDI development work. This work has primarily been focused on the explosive component, CP, 2-(5-cyanotetrazolato) pentaamminecobalt(III) perchlorate, doped with a small amount of carbon black to enhance the laser energy absorptance at the 850 nm wavelength of the laser diode. To support the experimental efforts, numerical modeling of the thermal response of CP to a low energy laser input has been undertaken.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 10150707
• Report Number(s): SAND--92-0249C; CONF-920796--4; ON: DE92015000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100
ABSORPTION
CARBON BLACK
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIONS AND EXPLOSIVES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
IGNITION
LASER RADIATION
OPTICAL FIBERS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATION HEATING
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY