Ignition of HMX (cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine) using low energy laser diodes
The sensitivity of blends of cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) with carbon black and graphite to laser diode ignition was investigated. Using a 100-{mu}m optical fiber, a blend of 15,700 cm{sup 2}/g HMX with 3{percent} carbon black by weight was the most sensitive material tested, with a threshold of 72 mW. Pure, or undoped, HMX could not be ignited using 10 ms laser diode pulses with power levels up to 880 mW. In general, the HMX/carbon black blends were more sensitive than the HMX/graphite blends. HMX specific surface area also had a significant effect on sensitivity. Doubling the spot size increased the ignition threshold by a factor of approximately 2.7. Increasing the pulse width from 10 to 100 ms did not significantly reduce the laser diode power required for ignition. Photoacoustic spectrometer was used to compare the absorption characteristics of the HMX blends. The absorption spectra obtained correlated well with the sensitivity test data. 11 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Mound Applied Technologies, Miamisburg, OH (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/DP
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-88DP43495
- OSTI ID:
- 7247396
- Report Number(s):
- MLM-3628-OP; CONF-900254--2; ON: DE90007637
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
ABSORPTIVITY
AMINES
CARBON
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
GRAPHITE
IGNITION
LASERS
MINERALS
NITRO COMPOUNDS
NONMETALS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOACOUSTIC SPECTROSCOPY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SPECTROSCOPY
SURFACE AREA
SURFACE PROPERTIES