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Title: Optical absorption in polycrystalline PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS and its possible effect on exploding bridgewire detonator function

Abstract

Exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators work by bursting a thin conducting wire as a result of a high voltage discharge. This process is known to produce a strong UV emission. In this work, the roles of optical absorption, photochemistry, shock sensitivity, and impact sensitivity are assessed with respect to the relative roles each plays in the operation of an EBW detonator. The optical absorptivity and penetration depth have been measured using dilute polycrystalline samples of PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS in KBr between 190 and 1100 nm. The results show strong absorption at UV wavelengths with a gradual decline at longer ones. It is found that while strong UV absorption appears to be necessary, it is not sufficient to make an effective EBW detonator.

Authors:
 [1]; ORCiD logo [1]
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  1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
OSTI Identifier:
1597356
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-19-29636
Journal ID: ISSN 0737-0652
Grant/Contract Number:  
89233218CNA000001
Resource Type:
Accepted Manuscript
Journal Name:
Journal of Energetic Materials
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 38; Journal Issue: 4; Journal ID: ISSN 0737-0652
Publisher:
Taylor & Francis
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; explosives; detonators; optical absorption; detonator; PETN; nitramines

Citation Formats

Feagin, Trevor Alexander, and Rae, Philip John. Optical absorption in polycrystalline PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS and its possible effect on exploding bridgewire detonator function. United States: N. p., 2020. Web. doi:10.1080/07370652.2020.1716110.
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Feagin, Trevor Alexander, & Rae, Philip John. Optical absorption in polycrystalline PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS and its possible effect on exploding bridgewire detonator function. United States. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2020.1716110
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Feagin, Trevor Alexander, and Rae, Philip John. Sun . "Optical absorption in polycrystalline PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS and its possible effect on exploding bridgewire detonator function". United States. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2020.1716110. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1597356.
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@article{osti_1597356,
title = {Optical absorption in polycrystalline PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS and its possible effect on exploding bridgewire detonator function},
author = {Feagin, Trevor Alexander and Rae, Philip John},
abstractNote = {Exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators work by bursting a thin conducting wire as a result of a high voltage discharge. This process is known to produce a strong UV emission. In this work, the roles of optical absorption, photochemistry, shock sensitivity, and impact sensitivity are assessed with respect to the relative roles each plays in the operation of an EBW detonator. The optical absorptivity and penetration depth have been measured using dilute polycrystalline samples of PETN, RDX, HMX, CL-20 and HNS in KBr between 190 and 1100 nm. The results show strong absorption at UV wavelengths with a gradual decline at longer ones. It is found that while strong UV absorption appears to be necessary, it is not sufficient to make an effective EBW detonator.},
doi = {10.1080/07370652.2020.1716110},
journal = {Journal of Energetic Materials},
number = 4,
volume = 38,
place = {United States},
year = {Sun Jan 19 00:00:00 EST 2020},
month = {Sun Jan 19 00:00:00 EST 2020}
}
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https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2020.1716110
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