Initiation and detonation characteristics of TATB
The initiation and detonation characteristics of TATB were investigated using several different experimental techniques. In the crushing impact environment of the Susan Test, TATB formulations were among the least sensitive explosives ever tested. Thin flyer plates accelerated by electrically exploded metal foils or by gas guns were used to study shock sensitivity. In high density TATB the minimum flyer kinetic energy required for initiation decreased with increasing pressure. All compositions investigated were substantially less sensitive to shock than nominal density PBX-9404. Wavefront propagation in TATB compositions of lower-density, lower-binder-percentage and smaller HE particle size was closest to the ideal Huygens propagation. Shock initiation experiments were performed at sample temperatures ranging from -54/sup 0/ to +74/sup 0/C. At lower temperatures a significant decrease in the divergence of the detonation wave was observed.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 7265452
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-77611; CONF-760805-15
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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