Prompt detonation of secondary explosives by laser
Secondary high explosives have been promptly detonated by directing a laser beam of various wavelengths from 266 nanometers to 1.06 micron on the surface of the explosives. For this paper ''prompt'' means the excess transit time through an explosive charge is /approximately/250 nanoseconds (or less) less than the accepted full detonation velocity time. Timing between laser pulse, explosive initiation and detonation velocity and function time have been recorded. The laser parameters studied include: wavelength, pulse length, energy and power density, and beam diameter (spot size). Explosives evaluated include: PETN, HNS, HMX, and graphited PETN, HNS, and HMX. Explosive parameters that have been correlated with optical parameters include: density, surface area, critical diameter (spot size), spectral characteristics and enhance absorption. Some explosives have been promptly detonated over the entire range of wavelengths, possibly by two competing initiating mechanisms. Other explosives could not be detonated at any of the wavelengths or power densities tested. 8 refs., 12 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5966818
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-89-601; CONF-890811-9; ON: DE89008000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Laser initiation of secondary explosives: Renlund paper No. 115
Prompt laser ignition and transition to detonation in a secondary explosive
Related Subjects
420300 -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
AROMATICS
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
DATA
DETONATIONS
ESTERS
EXCIMER LASERS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
EXPLOSIVES
GAS LASERS
HYDROCARBONS
INFORMATION
LASERS
NITRATES
NITRIC ACID ESTERS
NITRO COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NUMERICAL DATA
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETN
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REFLECTION
STILBENE
STREAK PHOTOGRAPHY