Detection of nitroesters and moisture in combustible cartridge case wall by indicator strips and instruments. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Sep 30 04:00:00 EDT 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10157798· OSTI ID:10157798

Ho, C H; Moneyhun, J H; Agouridis, D C; Gayle, T M; Hurst, G B; Griest, W H

Nitroester migration into the case wall from the propellant and moisture accumulation within the case have been identified as important internal and external (respectively) factors which contribute to the physical deterioration of combustible cartridge case (ccc) munitions. The latter factor also may hinder proper ignition of the ccc and cause incomplete combustion in firing. Visual indicators sensitive to these factors and affixed to ccc rounds would allow quality assurance specialists or gun crews in the field to rapidly determine the potential reliability of individual rounds. Previous work in this task identified chemistries suitable for the detection of nitroesters and moisture in the ccc wall. A version of the Griess reaction was modified for a dry colorimetric indicator which in the presence of nitroglycerin (NG) or diethyleneglycol dinitrate (DEGDN) generates a brilliant red color. Inorganic salts such as cupric chloride, which changes from brown to blue-green upon hydration, were suggested as promising visual indicators of moisture. This report describes the development and preliminary testing of prototype nitroester and moisture indicator strips, and the scoping of two instrumental techniques, infrared spectroscopy and electrical capacitance, which could lead to portable instruments for rapid and nondestructive testing of ccc in the field.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: Department of Defense, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 10157798
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM--12286; ON: DE93013458
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400102
400201
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450000
AMMUNITION
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
CHEMICAL AND SPECTRAL PROCEDURES
ESTERS
INDICATORS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
MOISTURE
PERFORMANCE
PROGRESS REPORT
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TENSILE PROPERTIES