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Title: Laser initiation of secondary explosives: Renlund paper No. 115

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5843496

Several experiments were performed to investigate the effects of explosive material parameters on energy thresholds for direct laser initiation of secondary explosives. Laser energy requirements for initiation of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were decreased for small particle size powder and low density pressings. Promptness of detonation, however, was aided by higher densities. Initiation of PETN was achieved at energies at or below 10 mJ (power densities /approximately/0.2 GW cm/sup /minus/2/) at laser wavelengths of 1.06 /mu/m, 532 nm and 355 nm and strong confinement of the explosive sample assisted build-up to detonation. At 355 and 308 nm PETN could be initiated by irradiation on the bare explosive surface. Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX) was initiated at 308 nm but not at 1.06 /mu/m. Hexanitrostibene (HNS) by direct irradiation at any of these wavelengths was successful. The results suggest that if sufficient energy is deposited, a fast deflagration or convective burn is achieved and that this grows to detonation via a conventional deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). 14 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5843496
Report Number(s):
SAND-88-2465C; CONF-890926-2; ON: DE89010229
Resource Relation:
Conference: 9. international symposium on detonation, Portland, OR, USA, Sep 1989; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English