High-speed photography of energetic materials and components with a copper vapor laser

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6977420

Dosser, L R; Reed, J W; Stark, M A

The evaluation of the properties of energetic materials, such as burn rate and ignition energy, is of primary importance in understanding their reactions and the functioning of devices containing them. One method for recording such information is high-speed photography at rates of up to 20,000 images per second. When a copper vapor laser is synchronized with the camera, laser-illuminated images can be recorded that detail the performance of a material and/or component in a manner never before possible. The laser can also be used for ignition of the energetic material, thus eliminating the need for bridgewires or electric squibs that can interfere with photography. Details of such ignitions are readily observable, and the burn rate of a material can be determined directly from the film. There are indications that information useful for the modeling of pyrotechnic reactions will become available as well. Recent results from high-speed photography of several pyrotechnic materials and devices will be presented. 9 figs.

• Research Organization: Monsanto Research Corp., Miamisburg, OH (USA). Mound
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00053
• OSTI ID: 6977420
• Report Number(s): MLM-3491(OP); CONF-880408-32; ON: DE88012869
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400800* -- Combustion
Pyrolysis
& High-Temperature Chemistry
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
BORIDES
BORON COMPOUNDS
COPPER
ELEMENTS
EXPLOSIVES
GAS LASERS
IGNITION
IMAGES
LASERS
METAL VAPOR LASERS
METALS
OPTICS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PYROTECHNIC DEVICES
TITANIUM BORIDES
TITANIUM COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
ULTRAHIGH-SPEED PHOTOGRAPHY
USES