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Preshock desensitization of PBX explosives

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10178275
Preshocking delays initiation of PBX-9404 and PBX-9501, relative to unshocked material. In PBX-9404 preshock experiments, a first shock of 2.3 GPa was followed 0.65 {mu}s later by a second shock of 5.6 GPa. In PBX-9501, a preshock of 2.8 GPa and 0.32 us duration was followed by an initiating shock of 6.0 GPA. Both PBX explosives show clear desensitization while the preshock persists. In PBX-9404, initiation of detonation occurs nearly as anticipated for the material, after coalescence of the preshock and main shock into a single wave. Multiple embedded magnetic gauges were used to measure the shock histories. Our data indicates a slightly longer run to detonation than expected, even though a single wave is initiating the material. A slight stress reduction at coalescence, as required by the shock dynamics, may be responsible for the overrun. A reactive waste is clearly evident while the preshock persists. The long run to detonation indicates that this reactive wave is not driving the initiation. A set of four preshock experiments were preformed on PBX-9502, which is unreactive at these pressures, to investigate the shock dynamics of the two waves in the HE.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
10178275
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--93-2346; CONF-930676--19; ON: DE93018351
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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