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Shock Initiation Microscopy with High Time and Space Resolution

Journal Article · · Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
  2. Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States)
In this paper, we describe studies of shock initiation and shock-to-detonation transitions in energetic materials using a tabletop shock compression microscope with nanosecond time resolution and micrometer spatial resolution. Planar input shocks with durations of 4–20 ns are produced using 0–4.5 km/s laser-launched flyer plates. Emphasis is on measurements of temperature, velocities, pressure, and microstructure using photon Doppler velocimetry (PDV), optical pyrometry and high-speed videography. Techniques are discussed for fabricating disposable shock target arrays of tiny plastic-bonded explosives (PBX), liquid and powder explosives, and single-crystal explosives for high-throughput studies. Optical temperature measurements of shocked triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) are discussed. Since TATB is yellow, we developed methods to correct for the blue absorption to obtain more accurate temperatures. Hot spots in shocked polymer-encased HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) crystals are observed in real-time, showing a hot spot produced in a collapsing void that ignites a deflagration. Despite the small dimensions of our explosive charges (typically 1 mm diameter and 250 μm length), we produced reproducible detonation states in solid and liquid explosives using short-duration shocks near the von Neumann spike (VNS) pressure. We show the VNS pressure is associated with a transition to high-efficiency gas production from the explosives. In studies of NM, prior to detonation, we see reaction originating at hot spots which coalesce to form a superdetonation.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF); US Air Force Office of Scientific Research; US Army Research Office; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344; NA0002135
OSTI ID:
1616402
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1594198
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL--779582; 973545
Journal Information:
Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, Journal Name: Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 45; ISSN 0721-3115
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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