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Prompt Reaction of Aluminum in Detonating Explosives

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2263516· OSTI ID:20875681
;  [1]
  1. NAVSEA Indian Head Division, Indian Head MD 20640 (India)
The potential of aluminum (Al) reaction to boost detonation energy has been studied for decades, most recently spurred by the availability of nanometer-sized particles. A literature review is consistent with results from the small-scale shock reactivity test (SSRT). In this test, <1/2-g samples in confinement are shock loaded on one end, and the output at the other end dents a soft witness block. For samples in which 0.3 g of cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) was mixed with 8 {mu}m Al, the deepest dent occurred at 15% Al. When ammonium perchlorate (AP) was mixed with the same Al, the increased dents were consistent with changes in detonation velocity previously reported on similar mixtures. One outcome of this study is a new interpretation for the participation of Al in large scale gap tests on plastic-bonded explosives, which was discussed by Bernecker at this meeting in 1987.
OSTI ID:
20875681
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 845; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English