BUILDING HEMISPHERES OF HIGH EXPLOSIVES FROM CAST BLOCKS 500 POUNDS TO 100 TONS

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962 · Eng. J.

OSTI ID:4734777

Ditto, W J; Holdsworth, J

Investigation of shock and blast phenomena in free air raised a requirement for hemispherical explosive charges to be burst at ground level. Charges of approximately the desired shape were built from cast blocks of TNT of approximately 33 lb and dimensions 12 in. x 12 in. x 4 in. Because TNT shrinks as it hardens, and because rapid cooling seems to produce the most desirable crystalline structure, it was decided to cool the molds with water from the bottom region and up the sides and maintain a hot header of liquid from the top down into the center to fill in for shrinkage. The molds were not pre-heated and TNT pouring temperatures of around 95 deg C were found most suitable. The molds were cooled with water for about 45 min and then in air for 4 or 5 hr with steam probes maintaining liquid at the top. After this period the probes were removed and the mold left overnight before removal of the blocks. Booster charges were cast from a mixture of crystalline Tetryl and TNT in proportions of 70: 30. (M.C.G.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-17-018234
• OSTI ID: 4734777
• Journal Information: Eng. J., Journal Name: Eng. J. Vol. Vol: 15: No. 7
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT