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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Some properties of Amatex/20K. [Detonation velocity, energy, and shock sensitivity]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7195287· OSTI ID:7195287
Some of the properties required for the interim qualification of Amatex/20K for use in ammunition have been determined. Two types of ammonium nitrate (AN) containing 10 wt percent potassium nitrate (KN) were used. The properties determined were the detonation velocity as a function of charge diameter, the energy relative to other explosives, and the shock sensitivity as a function of temperature. The infinite diameter detonation velocity of Amatex/20K, corrected to a density of 1.630 g/cm/sup 3/, depends on the type of AN/KN used to prepare the explosive. The values obtained were 6790 m/s for Amatex/20K prepared with solid prills, and 6960 m/s for Amatex/20K prepared with granulated AN/KN prills. Amatex/20K prepared with either AN/KN has a failure diameter greater than 19 mm and less than 25 mm. The relative energy of Amatex/20K prepared with solid prills is about 9 percent lower than that of Amatex/20. Shock sensitivity seems to be dependent on the type of AN/KN used, the test temperature, and the storage history of the explosive.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos Scientific Lab., N.Mex. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
7195287
Report Number(s):
LA-6243-MS
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English