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Chemical and Physical Processes that Control the Thermal Decomposition of RDX and HMX

Conference ·

The current understanding of the chemical and physical processes that control the thermal decomposition of RDX and HMX, based on experiments conducted with a simultaneous thermogravimetric modulated beam mass spectrometer (STMBMS), is presented. The rate-limiting reactions and physical processes that control the decomposition of RDX and HMX in both the solid and liquid phases, which have been elucidated from over five hundred STMBMS experiments on these materials, are summarized in a general reaction scheme. This general reaction scheme is discussed and illustrated with selected results from the authors experimental work.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (US); Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
757435
Report Number(s):
SAND2000-8724C
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English