Performance of chemical analogs of the explosive CP
The development and weapons systems application of 2-(5-cyanotetrazolato)pentaamminecobalt(III) perchlorate, designated CP, for low voltage detonators, has prompted studies regarding similar compounds in order to arrive at materials superior to CP regarding performance and sensitivity characteristics. Specific desired improvements included shorter deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) distances and lower electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity in the confined, pressed state. Pursuant to these goals were synthesis, analytical, and explosive testing activities, which are described. Results of these activities using 12 materials are presented. It is shown that several substituted pentaamminecobalt(III) perchlorates (CP and CP analogs) undergo DDT directly from hot wire ignition. The properties of these materials vary somewhat and show that: some of the CP analogs exhibit DDT tendencies equivalent or superior to CP (e.g., NO/sub 2/TzPCP and ClTzPCP); the degree of DDT for the analogs is inversely proportional to density; the larger particle size ICCP has a greater tendency to undergo DDT; none of the analogs studied were ESD sensitive in the bulk or unconfined pressed forms. However, for the confined pressed form, the materials were ignitable from ESD, with sensitivity generally increasing with increased density. Many of the analogs showed lower ESD sensitivity in this form than CP which suggests that safer detonators can be developed through selection of other compounds; the analogs were generally in the same impact sensitivity range as RDX but less sensitive than PETN; and thermal response characteristics of the analogs varied somewhat, with exothermic activities commencing in the range of 250 to 292/sup 0/C (20/sup 0/C/min).
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); Unidynamics, Phoenix, AZ (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6294015
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-81-0246C; CONF-810926-2; ON: DE81025836
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 11. symposium on explosives and pyrotechniques, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 15 Sep 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Deflagration-to-detonation transition project: quarterly report for the period September through November 1979
Modeling laser ignition of explosives and pyrotechnics: Effects and characterization of radiative transfer
Related Subjects
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
DETONATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SENSITIVITY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTROSTATICS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
IMPACT TESTS
MATERIALS TESTING
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SAFETY
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
DATA
EXPLOSIVES
INFORMATION
MECHANICAL TESTS
NUMERICAL DATA
TESTING
450100* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Chemical Explosions & Explosives