Complex Microwave Permittivity of Secondary High Explosives

We aim to understand how microwaves interact with high explosives by studying the complex permittivity from 1–18 GHz of HMX, RDX, TNT, TATB, PETN, Octol, Comp B, 95 % RDX/5 % Viton A (PBX‐RDX), PBX 9404, PBXN‐5, PBXN‐7, PBXW‐14, PBX 9501, and PBX 9502. The combination of a resonant cavity perturbation technique for determining the room‐temperature complex dielectric constant at discrete frequencies and a wide band open circuit method (1–18 GHz) provides an accurate, broadband measurement that describes the dielectric properties in the frequency range of interest. While the values of the real and imaginary permittivity components did not vary significantly as a function of frequency, we found the real part of the permittivity to be highly dependent on relatively small changes in the material density. We used dielectric mixing theory, specifically the linear‐law approximation, to compare the predicted values based on the dielectric properties of individual components with those of the resulting formulation measured experimentally for a select number of samples; the prediction agrees well within the observed variability of the experimentally measured values.     

Simulation of the ignition of organic explosives by a laser pulse in the weak absorption region

Numerical simulation of the ignition of RDX, HMX, and TATB by a nanosecond laser pulse was performed. The heat-conduction equation was solved in cylindrical coordinates with allowance for the multiple reflection of the light beam, a zero-order exothermic reaction, and melting. Despite the small temperature gradient due to the smallness of the radiation absorption coefficient, violation of thermal equilibrium due to Arrhenius nonlinearity leads to ignition of energetic materials from the surface. The critical energy density for ignition of PETN, RDX, HMX, and TATB by a nanosecond laser pulse was determined. Calculations have shown that with identical absorption and reflection coefficients, PETN is the most sensitive and TATB is the most heat-resistant.     

The Effect of Shear Strain on Texture in Pressed Plastic Bonded Explosives

The insensitive explosive PBX 9502 contains 95 wt‐% of TATB crystals and a plastic bonding agent (Kel‐F). The TATB crystals have plate‐like morphology, similar to that of graphite or boron nitride. We have used X‐ray diffraction to measure the preferred orientation (texture) of the TATB crystals in parts fabricated by pressing PBX 9502 powder. Independently, we have used finite‐element calculations to derive the direction and magnitude of the shear imposed during the consolidation of this composite material. Based on our results, we propose that the texture develops because the applied shear causes the TATB crystals to rotate such that their (002) basal planes are parallel to shear planes. The texture predicted by this model agrees qualitatively with that measured at various locations within the PBX 9502 compact. Further validation of this model is obtained by the measurement of the thermal expansion coefficient of PBX 9502, which is highly anisotropic.     

Delay Mechanism of β→δ Phase Transition of Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine in Polymer Bonded Explosive Formulations by Heat Conduction Obstacle

The β→δ phase transition (PT) of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) plays an important role in the safety of explosives when they are exposed to heat. In this work the effect of HMX content on the PT of HMX in Polymer Bonded Explosive (PBX) is reported. Using in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) test combined with quantitative analysis, the dependence of the PT temperature and dynamic behavior of HMX in PBX formulations [HMX+triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB)+Olefin] on the content of HMX is investigated. The results show that the β→δ PT temperature gradually increases with the reduction of HMX content and with the increase of TATB content. Additives of TATB and olefin in high concentration can form compact coatings on the HMX crystals. Such coatings can delay the nucleations of δ‐HMX by inhibiting the volumetric expansion during PT. Moreever, these coatings separate the HMX crystals and build up a heat conduction obstacle. As a result the growths of δ‐HMX are also suppressed by the coatings. In contrast, fewer additives lead to larger free surface area of HMX, which accelerates the PT.     

破甲战斗部新型装药--聚奥黑炸药

一种新型的破甲战斗部装药-聚奥黑炸药是以HMX/RDX二种单质炸药为主体炸药的压装高聚物粘结炸药,其主要特点是可以通过改变HMX/RDX的组成比例,得到不同爆炸能量的系列化产品;更为突出的是,合理选择HMX/RDX比例,使PBX装药具有与HMX相近的高爆炸能量,而成本费用大幅度降低.经过在破甲战斗部中应用试验表明,聚奥黑炸药的装药密度高、破甲威力大,是一种适合装填各类破甲战斗部的新型装药.     

Low-Sensitivity Explosive Compounds for Low Vulnerability Warheads

Looking for explosives for Low Vulnerability Ammunitions leads to an interest in explosive molecules less sensitive than the usual nitramines (RDX, HMX). If TATB is quite convenient in terms of sensitivity, its performance is too low. The researches described here are related to synthesis and use of NTO (nitrotriazolone), another insensitive molecule. The synthesis by nitration of TO (triazolone) is easy and the two steps from available starting materials have been optimized. A comparison of desensitivation of PBX either by TATB or by NTO have been made. The sensitivity levels were found equivalent while the detonation velocity of the NTO based PBX was slightly higher. Unfortunately in this case, the failure diameter would be larger. The last part relates to an extensive characterization in terms of performance and vulnerability to fast cook off, slow cook off, bullet impact, shock sensitivity and sympathetic detonation of a NTO and HMX based PBX. This PBX, B 2214, was one of the first examples of explosive composition showing no sympathetic detonation, even in 248 mm large diameter.     

Microstructural Differences between Virgin and Recycled Lots of PBX 9502

PBX 9502 is an insensitive high explosive formulated comprised of 95 wt% TATB and 5 wt% Kel‐F 800^TM binder. Due to the relatively high cost of manufacturing TATB (triaminotrinitrobenzene), methods for reclaiming TATB from PBX 9502 machine cuttings were previously developed. Reclaimed PBX 9502 was mixed with ~ 50% virgin PBX 9502 to produce “recycled” lots of PBX 9502. Several studies have shown significant differences between the mechanical properties of virgin and recycled lots of PBX 9502, and postulated that the differences were related to various aspects of TATB particle size and distribution. The purpose of this study is to show that these differences in mechanical properties are related to differences in the distribution of TATB within the microstructure of PBX 9502. Ultimately, a better understanding of these properties may lead to selected formulation changes for future rebuilds, Lifetime Extension Programs (LEP) and/or candidate replacements to enhance engineering and physics performance.     

压制过程中PBX炸药颗粒的破碎及损伤

用扫描电镜及激光粒度仪研究了PBX炸药在不同压制条件下的微观结构变化及粒度分布。结果表明,随着成型试件密度的增加,晶体的破碎、损伤情况加重;成型试件中HM X的平均粒径随着压力的增加而减小(压制前的33.05μm到250M Pa压制后的16.92μm);在相同压力条件下,热压(70℃)制品的密度更高,但晶体的破碎却更小,热压(70℃)制品中HM X的平均粒径要大于冷压(25℃)制品中HM X的平均粒径。     

Initiating Aluminized High Explosives by Laser Radiation

A number of physical and chemical processes occurring under the action of a laser pulse in nanosized aluminum and aluminized explosives on the basis of fine-grained PETN and benzotrifuroxane along with estimates of the effect of aluminum of the explosive transformation dynamics in these explosives conclude that it is possible to initiate aluminized explosives by laser radiation. The estimated and experimental results show that the main source of hot spots capable of causing an explosive transformation in aluminized explosives under the action of a laser pulse can be a compression wave that forms as a result of rapid evaporation of a sufficient number of aluminum particles. It is shown experimentally that aluminized explosives based on fine-grained RDX and HMX can be initiated by a laser pulse whose source is no more powerful than that in the case of PETN and benzotrifuroxane.     

Determination of parameters of detonation waves in PETN and HMX single crystals

Detonation parameters in PETN and HMX single crystals are experimentally studied. The state parameters at the Chapman-Jouguet point and the parameters of the Neumann spike and chemical reaction zone are obtained. The duration and width of the chemical reaction zone in single crystals are demonstrated to be appreciably greater than in pressed heterogeneous explosives.     

The Effects of TATB Ratchet Growth on PBX 9502

PBX 9502 is a plastic‐bonded explosive that contains 95 wt.‐% TATB, a graphitic‐structured high explosive known to undergo “ratchet growth,” i.e., irreversible volume change that accompanies temperature excursions. Earlier studies have reported changes in TATB‐based composites as a function of thermal cycling and density change, however, a clear distinction between density and ratchet‐growth effects has not been made. In the work reported here, an “as‐pressed density” baseline for the mechanical response of recycled PBX 9502 is established over a density range of interest, then high‐density specimens are thermally cycled between −55 and 80 °C to achieve “ratchet‐grown” parts in the same low‐density region. As‐pressed and ratchet‐grown specimens with identical densities are then analyzed using microX‐ray computed tomography and USANS techniques to obtain information about pore‐size distributions. Data show that after ratchet‐growth, PBX 9502 specimens contain, in general, more numerous and smaller voids than specimens that were pressed with lower compaction pressures to match the same density. The mechanical response of the ratchet‐grown material is consistent with damage, showing lower tensile stress and modulus, lower compressive modulus, and higher tensile and compressive strain, than as‐pressed specimens of the same density.     

Laboratory‐Scale Method for Estimating Explosive Performance from Laser‐Induced Shock Waves

A new laboratory‐scale method for predicting explosive performance (e.g., detonation velocity and pressure) based on milligram quantities of material is demonstrated. This technique is based on schlieren imaging of the shock wave generated in air by the formation of a laser‐induced plasma on the surface of an energetic material residue. The shock wave from each laser ablation event is tracked for more than 100 μs using a high‐speed camera. A suite of conventional energetic materials including DNAN, TNT, HNS, TATB, NTO, PETN, RDX, HMX, and CL‐20 was used to develop calibration curves relating the characteristic shock velocity for each energetic material to several detonation parameters. A strong linear correlation between the laser‐induced shock velocity and the measured performance from full‐scale detonation testing has been observed. The Laser‐induced Air Shock from Energetic Materials (LASEM) method was validated using nitrocellulose, FOX‐7, nano‐RDX, three military formulations, and three novel high‐nitrogen explosives currently under development. This method is a potential screening tool for the development of new energetic materials and formulations prior to larger‐scale detonative testing. The main advantages are the small quantity of material required (a few milligrams or less per laser shot), the ease with which hundreds of measurements per day can be obtained, and the ability to estimate explosive performance without detonating the material (reducing cost and safety requirements).     

The Poly‐Rho Test as a Screening Tool for Explosive Performance

A screening test was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory [1] that can be used to decide if a newly synthesized/formulated explosive might warrant further development. The test consists of firing a rate‐stick composed of 12.7 mm diameter by 12.7 mm high pellets of different densities ordered from lowest to highest, initiated by a detonator at the low‐density end of the stick. This poly‐rho test yields detonation velocities over a range of densities using only the small amount of the explosive typically generated by the synthetic organic chemist at an early stage of the scale‐up process. The amount of material required is far less than that required for the typical rate‐stick series. This paper presents results on poly‐rho tests that were conducted on three explosives commonly used at Los Alamos National Laboratory, namely PBX 9501, PBX 9502 and PETN. The results are compared with empirical detonation‐theory predictions and existing explosive experimental data, with good agreement in all cases.     

An HPLC Method for Analysis of HNIW and TNAZ in an explosive mixture

This paper presents a general HPLC method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of mixtures of explosives. The method has successfully been tested on the following explosives: RDX, 2,4,6-TNT, 2,4-DNT, HMX, PETN, Tetryl, HNS, TNAZ and HNIW. The method permits a nine component explosive mixture analysis in less than 10 minutes. For HNIW and TNAZ the detection limit was less than 5 ng.     

Vapor Pressure of Explosives: A Critical Review

A critical review of vapor pressure data for military, civilian, and homemade explosives, explosive precursors, and explosive taggants is presented. It gives reference to a large number of papers and reports presenting original vapor pressure measurements and additionally an overview of measurements techniques for vapor pressure measurements and data analysis of vapor pressure measurements. Vapor pressure data, including Clausius–Clapeyron parameters (A and B in: log10(p)=A−B/T), calculated vapor pressure at room temperature, and heat of sublimation or heat of vaporization are included. The following classes of compounds are treated; military explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX, PETN, HNS, TATB, AP), civilian explosives (NG, EGDN, AN), explosive taggants (EGDN, DNMB, 2‐NT, 4‐NT), home‐made explosives (TATP, DADP, HMTD). and explosive precursors [HP(aq), NM, IPN, DNT].     

Reduced Sensitivity RDX Obtained From Bachmann RDX

In recent years much interest has been generated in a quality of reduced sensitivity RDX (RS‐RDX), like I‐RDX^® which, when incorporated in cast cure and even pressable plastic bonded explosives (PBX compositions), can confer reduced shock sensitivity as measured through gap test. At crystal level, lot of work has been done to try to determine which property or properties may explain the behaviour of the corresponding cast PBX composition. But up to now, and despite an international inter‐laboratory comparison (Round Robin) of seven lots of RDX from five different manufacturers conducted from 2003 to 2005, even if some techniques lead to interesting results, there is no dedicated specification to apply to RS‐RDX. This quality (I‐RDX^®) has proved to retain its low sensitivity even after ageing, which does not seem to be the case for standard RDX produced by the Bachmann process (when re‐crystallized under I‐RDX conditions in order to obtain RS‐RDX). It has been shown that the higher sensitivity of RDX produced by the Bachmann process, or the evolution of sensitivity after ageing of RS‐RDX produced from Bachmann RDX may be linked to the presence of octogen (HMX) during the crystallization process. In order to check such hypothesis, low HMX content RDX produced by the Bachmann process has been prepared and evaluated in cast PBX composition (PBX N 109). Results of the characterization of such quality of RDX and its evaluation in cast PBX composition as well as ageing behaviour are presented and discussed; there are indications that removal of HMX from Bachmann RDX may lead to RS‐RDX, which retains its RS character even after ageing.     

Correlation of electrical conductivity in the detonation of condensed explosives with their carbon content

This paper presents the comparative analysis of the results of more than fifty experiments on measuring the electrical conductivity of detonation products of RDX, HMX, PETN, TNT, and TATB-based explosives. It is revealed that there is a correlation between the electrical conductivity and the mass fraction of carbon both in the chemical spike and at the Chapman–Jouguet point.     

Changes in Pore Size Distribution upon Thermal Cycling of TATB‐based Explosives Measured by Ultra‐Small Angle X‐Ray Scattering

Hot‐spot models of initiation and detonation show that voids or porosity ranging from nanometer to micrometer in size within highly insensitive energetic materials affect initiability and detonation properties. Thus, the knowledge of the void size distribution, and how it changes with the volume expansion seen with temperature cycling, are important to understanding the properties of the insensitive explosive 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB). In this paper, void size distributions in the 2 nm to 2 μm regime, obtained from small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements, are presented for LX‐17‐1, PBX‐9502, and ultra‐fine TATB formulations, both as processed and after thermal cycling. Two peaks were observed in the void size distribution: a narrow peak between 7–10 nm and a broad peak between 20 nm and about 1 mm. The first peak was attributed to porosity intrinsic to the TATB crystallites. The larger pores were believed to be intercrystalline, a result of incomplete consolidation during processing and pressing. After thermal cycling, these specimens showed an increase in both the number and size of these larger pores. These results illuminate the nature of the void distributions in these TATB‐based explosives from 2 nm to 2 μm and provide empirical experimental input for computational models of initiation and detonation.     

Time‐Evolution of TATB‐Based Irreversible Thermal Expansion (Ratchet Growth)

TATB is an insensitive high explosive, attractive for use because of its safety aspects. TATB compactions, with or without binder, undergo irreversible volume expansion (or ratchet growth) upon thermal cycling. In the past, experimental elucidation of this phenomenon has focused on irreversible expansion as a function of the number of thermal excursions over a given temperature range, where growth is asymptotic with increasing cycle number. In this paper, we demonstrate that ratchet growth also occurs as a function of time at constant temperature, and that growth is substantial at elevated temperatures. We have measured strain response in PBX 9502, a TATB‐based composite, by performing thermal‐cycling tests with different durations at high temperature. Irreversible growth arises from the thermal ramps themselves (increasing and decreasing), as well as from the subsequent isotherms. PBX 9502 specimens with previously‐identified TATB texture/orientation were used in order to eliminate and/or evaluate texture as a variable. Measurements were also performed on dry‐pressed TATB (no binder) to confirm that expansion as a function of time (constant temperature) is not caused by the binder. A simple analysis of the time‐response data demonstrates consistency in the results. We propose that the primary driving force for irreversible expansion is the proximity of the current strain value (due to thermal history) to the strain saturation point of the current cycle (i.e. strain at infinite high‐temperature hold times or an infinite number of cycles). Such tests should aid in the understanding and modeling of ratchet growth response in these materials.     

Using the tracer method to study detonation processes

The tracer method was used to study the synthesis of nanodiamonds during detonation of composite explosives. Alloys of TNT with RDX, HMX, PETN, and benzotrifuroxan were studied. It was shown that, in all cases, most nanodiamonds were formed from TNT carbon. It was concluded that during the chemical reaction in the detonation wave propagating in heterogeneous explosives, equilibrium parameters were not established. In homogeneous TNT/PETN mixtures, individual components react with each other to form common products. __________ Translated from Fizika Goreniya i Vzryva, Vol. 44, No. 6, pp. 92–98, November–December, 2008.