Mechanism of failure of two pyrotechnic components

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5316514

Munger, A C; Woods, C M

An investigation of two unrelated pyrotechnic test device misfires revealed an ignition phenomenon that helps to explain the well-known necessity of maintaining good integrity between bridgewire and powder in hot-wire devices that use insensitive pyrotechnic powders. The factor common to both devices was the TiH/sub 1.65/:KC10/sub 4/ in a 33:67 weight percent ratio. This material is being used because of its high static insensitivity, a characteristic that makes good bridgewire contact mandatory for reliable ignition. Extensive work with a scanning electron microscope revealed that not only does the bridgewire require entrapment, but the initiation reaction gases must be contained within the immediate vicinity of the bridgewire or the initiation will not be sustained. Evidence is presented to document the phenomenon that caused the misfire of both components that were investigated. 9 refs., 17 figs.

• Research Organization: Monsanto Research Corp., Miamisburg, OH (USA). Mound
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00053
• OSTI ID: 5316514
• Report Number(s): MLM-3291(OP); CONF-850742-2; ON: DE85017421
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
DETONATORS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
FAILURES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IGNITION
MICROSCOPY
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERCHLORATES
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM PERCHLORATES
PYROTECHNIC DEVICES
QUANTITY RATIO
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
TEST FACILITIES
TITANIUM COMPOUNDS
TITANIUM HYDRIDES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS