Shock initiation of pentaerythritol tetranitrate crystals: Optical absorption and emission studies

Conference · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-89732-9.50166-7· OSTI ID:5548579

Mulford, R N; Dick, J J; Pettit, D R

Absorption and emission spectra of initiating crystals are obtained at two times during initiation, and a time-resolved record of integrated light is obtained during plane-wave shock initiation of single crystals of PETN at 4 GPa. Time-resolved photodiode records clearly show an induction time during which the crystal becomes absorbing, a region of increasing emission with increasing shock travel time, and termination of emission by the returning rarefaction. Evidence exists for emergence of a superdetonation wave at least 1.5-mm behind the shock front. Resolved spectroscopic records identify the absorbing region as shocked PETN, and suggest evolution of NO{sub 2} and NO as part of the early chemistry in the initation. 9 refs., 3 figs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5548579
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-91-1758; CONF-9107105--11; ON: DE91013381
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400102 -- Chemical & Spectral Procedures
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
CRYSTALS
EMISSION SPECTRA
ENERGY LEVELS
ESTERS
EXCITED STATES
EXPLOSIVES
NITRATES
NITRIC ACID ESTERS
NITRIC OXIDE
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETN
SHOCK WAVES
SPECTRA
VERY HIGH PRESSURE