Characterisation and modification of thermally stable high explosives for laser flyer applications
- QinetiQ Ltd, Fort Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7BP (United Kingdom)
- SMF, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HE (United Kingdom)
Laser initiation offers improved weapon survivability, versatility and greater Insensitive Munitions (IM) compliance. Detonators based on laser-driven flyers are less vulnerable to electrical initiation and can be based on insensitive secondary explosives. Additionally, this technology will offer advantages in terms of improved flexibility and reliability. Hexanitrostilbene (HNS) and nonanitro-m-terphenyl (NONA) were selected for investigation at QinetiQ as their increased thermal stability over conventional explosives makes them ideal candidates for use in insensitive munition compliant applications. The response of these materials to short duration high-amplitude shock impulses provided by exploding foil initiators (EFI), the electrical equivalent of a laser-driven flyer system, was investigated. Preparation techniques including sonication and the incorporation of additives were used to sensitize the materials to flyer impact, yet maintain their insensitivity to external hazards. Sonication significantly reduced the particle size of both HNS and NONA. The reduced-size explosives exhibited increased sensitivity to EFI impact than the starting materials.
- OSTI ID:
- 21039563
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 955, Issue 1; Conference: Conference of the American Physical Society Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, Waikoloa, HI (United States), 24-29 Jun 2007; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2833294; (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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