Shock initiation performance of NTO-based polymer bonded explosive

3-nitro-1,2,4-tri-azol-5-one (NTO) is a high energy insensitive explosive. To study the shock initiation process of NTO-based polymer bonded explosive JEOL-1 (32%octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), 32% NTO, 28% Al and 8% binder system), the cylinder test, the gap experiments and numerical simulation were carried out. Firstly, we got the detonation velocity (7746 m/s) and the parameters of Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) equation of state (EOS) for detonation product by cylinder test and numerical simulation. Secondly, the Hugoniot curve of unreacted explosive for JEOL-1 was obtained calculating the data of pressure and time at different Lagrangian positions. Then the JWL EOS of unreacted explosive was obtained by utilizing the Hugoniot curve as the reference curve. Finally, we got the pressure growth history of JEOL-1 under shock wave stimulation and the parameters of the ignition and growth reaction rate equation were obtained by the pressure-time curves measured by the shock-initiation gap experiment and numerical simulation. The determined trinomial ignition and growth model (IG model) parameters can be applied to subsequently simulation analysis and design of insensitive ammunition with NTO-based polymer bonded explosive.     

Numerical modelling of non-ideal detonation in ANFO explosives applying Wood-Kirkwood theory coupled with EXPLO5 thermochemical code

Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) based explosive is a classic example of non-ideal high explosives. Its detonation is characterized by a strong dependence of detonation parameters on explosive charge diameter, presence and characteristics of confinement, as well as incomplete consumption of explosive at the sonic point.In this work we propose a detonation model based on the Wood-Kirkwood (WK) theory coupled with the thermochemical code EXPLO5 and supplemented with reaction rate models. Our objective is to analyze the validity of the model for highly non-ideal ANFO explosives, with emphasis on effect of reaction rate models.It was found that both single-step and two-step pressure-based models can be calibrated to reproduce experimental detonation velocity-charge radius data of ANFO at radii significantly above the failure radius (i.e. for D/D_id > ∼0.6). Single-step pressure-based model, with the pressure exponent equal to 1.4, proved to be the most accurate, even in the vicinity of the failure radius. The impact of the rate models is most evident on temporal (and spatial) distribution of flow parameters in detonation driving zone, especially when it comes to the conversion and width of detonation driving zone.     

Prediction of concentration of toxic gases produced by detonation of commercial explosives by thermochemical equilibrium calculations

An adverse effect resulting from explosive mine blasts is the production of toxic nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). The empirical measurements of the concentration of toxic gases showed that it depends not only on the composition of an explosive and properties of its ingredients but also on several other parameters, such as volume of blasting chamber, explosive charge mass and design, confinement characteristics, surrounding atmosphere, etc. That explains why measured concentrations of toxic gases reported in literature significantly differ.In this paper, we discuss the possibility of theoretical prediction of the concentration of toxic gases by thermochemical equilibrium calculation applying two models: ideal detonation model and deflagration model. It can be demonstrated that thermochemical calculations can provide a good estimation of the measured concentrations and reproduce experimentally obtained effects of additives on the production of toxic gases. It was also found that the ideal detonation model applies to heavily confined explosive charges, while the deflagration model is more suitable for low detonation velocity explosives with light confinement.     

Enhancing the explosive characteristics of a Semtex explosive by involving admixtures of BCHMX and HMX

A well-known ternary plastic explosive, Czech Semtex 1H, contains a mixture of PETN and RDX softened by SBR. In this work, BCHMX was used to replace PETN in Semtex 1H to form Sem-BC+RDX. In addition, another mixture based on BCHMX and HMX as energetic fillers bonded by the polymeric matrix of Semtex 1H (Sem-BC+HMX) was studied. The particle size distribution of each individual explosive was determined to obtain the optimum mixing conditions. Friction and impact sensitivities were determined. The velocity of detonation was reported practically and the detonation properties were calculated by EXPLO5 code. The explosive strength of each sample was measured by the ballistic mortar test. The conclusion confirms that the velocity of detonation of Sem-BC+HMX was the highest in comparison with the prepared samples. Sem-BC+RDX has the least impact and frictions sensitivities. Sem-BC+RDX has higher detonation velocity, detonation properties and explosive strength than Semtex 1H. Addition of BCHMX in Semtex 1H as a replacement for PETN is the candidate to produce a high performance advanced Czech plastic explosive.     

Effects of nano-sized aluminum on detonation characteristics and metal acceleration for RDX-based aluminized explosive

Nano-sized aluminum(Nano-Al)powders hold promise in enhancing the total energy of explosives and the metal acceleration ability at the same time.However,the near-detonation zone effects of reaction between Nano-Al with detonation products remain unclear.In this study,the overall reaction process of 170 nm Al with RDX explosive and its effect on detonation characteristics,detonation reaction zone,and the metal acceleration ability were comprehensively investigated through a variety of experiments such as the detonation velocity test,detonation pressure test,explosive/window interface velocity test and confined plate push test using high-resolution laser interferometry.Lithium fluoride(LiF),which has an inert behavior during the explosion,was used as a control to compare the contribution of the reaction of aluminum.A thermochemical approach that took into account the reactivity of aluminum and ensuing detonation products was adopted to calculate the additional energy release by afterburn.Combining the numerical simulations based on the calculated afterburn energy and experimental results,the param-eters in the detonation equation of state describing the Nano-Al reaction characteristics were calibrated.This study found that when the 170 nm Al content is from 0％to 15％,every 5％increase of aluminum resulted in about a 1.3％decrease in detonation velocity.Manganin pressure gauge measurement showed no significant enhancement in detonation pressure.The detonation reaction time and reaction zone length of RDX/Al/wax/80/15/5 explosive is 64 ns and 0.47 mm,which is respectively 14％and 8％higher than that of RDX/wax/95/5 explosive(57 ns and 0.39 mm).Explosive/window interface velocity curves show that 170 nm Al mainly reacted with the RDX detonation products after the detonation front.For the recording time of about 10 μs throughout the plate push test duration,the maximum plate velocity and plate acceleration time accelerated by RDX/Al/wax/80/15/5 explosive is 12％and 2.9 μs higher than that of RDX/LiF/wax/80/15/5,respectively,indicating that the aluminum reaction energy significantly increased the metal acceleration time and ability of the explosive.Numerical simulations with JWLM explosive equation of state show that when the detonation products expanded to 2 times the initial volume,over 80％of the aluminum had reacted,implying very high reactivity.These results are significant in attaining a clear understanding of the reaction mechanism of Nano-Al in the development of aluminized explosives.     

Reaction degree of composition B explosive with multi-layered compound structure protection subjected to detonation loading

The explosive reaction degree and protection from explosions are concerns in the military field.In this work,the reaction degree of the composition B explosive was investigated experimentally.Multi-layered compound structures were used as barriers to weaken the blast loads.A comprehensive experiment using a high-speed camera and image processing techniques,side witness plates,and bottom witness plates was presented.Using the experimental fragment velocities,fragment piercing patterns,and damage characteristics,the reaction degree of the explosive impeded by different multi-layered com-pound structures could be precisely differentiated.Reaction parameters of the explosive obstructed by compound structures were obtained by theoretical analysis and numerical simulations.Unlike the common method in which the explosive reaction degree is only distinguished based on the initial pressure amplitude transmitted into the explosive,a following shock wave reflected from the side steel casing was also considered.Different detonation growth paths in the explosive formed.Therefore,all these shock wave propagation characteristics must be considered to analyze the explosive response impeded by compound structures.     

Direct ink writing of 3D-Honeycombed CL-20 structures with low critical size

3D-Honeycombed CL-20 structures with low critical size of detonation have been fabricated successfully for intelligent weapon systems using a micro-flow direct ink writing (DIW) technology. The CL-20-based explosive ink for DIW technology was prepared by a two-component adhesive system with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and ethyl cellulose (EC). Not only the preparation of the explosive ink but also the principle of DIW process have been investigated systematically. The explosive ink displayed strong shear-thinning behavior that permitted layer-by-layer deposition from a fine nozzle onto a substrate to produce complex shapes. The EC content was varied to alter the pore structure distribution and rheological behavior of ink samples after curing. The deposited explosive composite materials are of a honeycombed structure with high porosity, and the pore size distribution increases with the increase of EC content. No phase change was observed during the preparation process. Both WPU and EC show good compatibility with CL-20 particles. Apparently high activation energy was realized in the CL-20-based composite ink compared with that of the refined CL-20 due to the presence of non-energetic but stable WPU. The detonation performance of the composite materials can be precisely controlled by an adjustment in the content of binders. The 3D honeycombed CL-20 structures, which are fabricated by DIW technology, have a very small critical detonation size of less than 69 μm, as demonstrated by wedge shaped charge test. The ink can be used to create 3D structures with complex geometries not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques, which presents a bright future for the development of intelligent weapon systems.     

聚能射流形成过程的理论建模与分析

分析了聚能射流的形成过程,并对其中的各阶段进行了详细建模。在模型中考虑了炸药爆轰、金属的驱动、药型罩压垮以及射流和杵体的形成过程。采用该模型对某一聚能装药结构进行了计算,计算结果表明:药型罩顶部和底部微元的压垮速度较小,在射流头部形成反向速度梯度,与试验数据吻合较好。该模型对于多级侵彻战斗部的工程设计与侵彻参数的计算具有一定的参考价值。     

爆轰波在可压缩金属板面上斜反射初始参数的计算

本文计算了爆轰波在可压缩金属板面上斜反射时的初始参数。计算中选用的五种炸药是TNT(p_0为1.64g/cm~3,1.45g/cm~3)、RDX(p_0为1.59g/cm~3,1.76g/cm~3,1.80g/cm~3)、RDX/TNT(77/23)(p_0为1.75g/cm~3)、Pentolite(p_0为1.65g/cm~3,1.68g/cm~3)和B 炸药(p_0为1.71g/cm~3);三种介质是铁、铜和铝。     

Study of simple plane wave generator with an air-metal barrier

Plane wave generators (PWGs) are used to accelerate flyer plates to high velocities with their generated plane waves, which are widely used in the test of dynamic properties of materials. The traditional PWG is composed of two explosives with different detonation velocities. It is difficult to implement the related fabrication processes and control the generated waves due to its complicated structures. A simple plane wave generator is presented in this paper, which is composed of two identical cylindrical high explosive (HE) charges and an air-metal barrier. A theoretical model was established based on two different paths of the propagation of detonation waves, based on which the size of air-metal barrier was calculated for a given charge. The corresponding numerical simulations were also carried out by AUTODYN-2D^® based on the calculated results, which were used to compare with the theoretical calculations. A detonation wave with a flatness of 0.039 μs within the range of 70-percent diameter of the main charge was obtained through the simulations.     

Numerical simulation of detonation of an explosive atmosphere of liquefied petroleum gas in a confined space

The detonation of an explosive atmosphere from liquefied petroleum gas disseminated in air in a confined space is studied using numerical modeling with software product ANSYS AUTODYN.     

炸药热安定性的快速评定方法

本文分析了量气法和热分析法评定炸药热安定性的问题,提出把由一条DSC曲线测得的热分解动力学参数引入热平衡方程,以数值模拟方法计算出炸药在一定环境温度下的热爆炸延滞期,并据此判别炸药热安定性的观点和方法。经实验验证,该方法快速、准确。     

Formation and characterization of core-shell CL-20/TNT composite prepared by spray-drying technique

The core-shell 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane/2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (CL-20/TNT) composite was prepared by spray-drying method in which sensitive high energy explosive (CL-20) was coated with insensitive explosive (TNT). The structure and properties of different formulations of CL-20/TNT composite and CL-20/TNT mixture were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Laser particle size analyzer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), impact sensitivity test and detonation performance. The results of SEM, TEM, XPS and XRD show that ϵ-CL-20 particles are coated by TNT. When the ratio of CL-20/TNT is 75/25, core-shell structure is well formed, and thickness of the shell is about 20–30 nm. And the analysis of heat and impact show that with the increase of TNT content, the TNT coating on the core-shell composite material can not only catalyze the thermal decomposition of core material (CL-20), but also greatly reduce the impact sensitivity. Compared with the CL-20/TNT mixture (75/25) at the same ratio, the characteristic drop height of core-shell CL-20/TNT composite (75/25) increased by 47.6% and the TNT coating can accelerate the nuclear decomposition in the CL-20/TNT composites. Therefore, the preparation of the core-shell composites can be regarded as a unique means, by which the composites are characterized by controllable decomposition rate, high energy and excellent mechanical sensitivity and could be applied to propellants and other fields.     

Influence of shaped charge structure parameters on the formation of linear explosively formed projectiles

The research of LEFP (linear explosive forming projectile) is of great value to the development of new warhead due to its excellent performance. To further improve the damage ability of the shaped charge warhead, a special shell overhanging structure was designed to increase the charge based on the traditional spherical charge, in which case the crushing energy of LEFP could be guaranteed. LS-DYNA was used to simulate different charge structures obtained by changing the number of detonation points, the length of shell platform, the radius of curvature and the thickness of liner. The RSM (response surface model) between the molding parameters of LEFP and the structural parameters of charge was established. Based on RSM model, the structure of shaped charge was optimized by using multi-objective genetic algorithm. Meanwhile, the formation process of jet was analyzed by pulsed X-ray photography. The results show that the velocity, length-diameter ratio and specific kinetic energy of the LEFP were closely related to the structural parameters of the shaped charge. After the optimization of charge structure, the forming effect and penetration ability of LEPP had been significantly improved. The experimental data of jet velocity and length were consistent with the numerical results, which verifies the reliability of the numerical results.     

A quasi-isentropic model of a cylinder driven by aluminized explosives based on characteristic line analysis

A quasi-isentropic study on the process of driving a cylinder with aluminized explosives was carried out to examine the influence of the aluminum (Al) reaction rate on cylinder expansion and the physical parameters of the detonation products. Based on the proposed quasi-isentropic hypothesis and relevant isentropic theories, the characteristic lines of aluminized explosives driving a cylinder were analyzed, and a quasi-isentropic model was established. This model includes the variation of the cylinder wall velocity and the physical parameters of the detonation products with the Al reaction degree. Using previously reported experimental results, the quasi-isentropic model was verified to be applicative and accurate. This model was used to calculate the physical parameters for cylinder experiments with aluminized cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine explosives with 15.0 % and 30.0 % Al content. The results show that this quasi-isentropic model can be used not only to calculate the cylinder expansion rule or Al reaction degree, but also to calculate the physical parameters of the detonation products in the process of cylinder expansion. For explosives with 15.0 % and 30.0 % Al, 24.3 % and 18.5 % of the Al was found to have reacted at 33.9 μs and 34.0 μs, respectively. The difference in Al content results in different reaction intensity, occurrence time, and duration of two forms of reaction (diffusion and kinetic) between the Al powder and the detonation products; the post-detonation burning reaction between the Al powder and the detonation products prolongs the positive pressure action time, resulting in a continuous rise in temperature after detonation.     

Liquid phase in-situ synthesis of LiF coated boron powder composite and performance study

Among practical metal additives, boron (B) has a high volumetric heating value, making it a promising choice as a fuel additive. Although B can theoretically yield a large amount of energy upon complete combustion, its combustion is retarded by the initial presence of B oxide, which coats the surfaces of B particle. To improve the ignition and combustion properties of B powder, LiOH and NH₄F were used as precursors to synthesize uniformly LiF-coated B composites (LiF-B) in situ. The LiF-B mixture was also prepared for comparison using a physical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the morphologies and compositions of the products. The thermal and combustion properties of the samples were characterized by thermal gravity-differential thermal gravity (TG-DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and closed bomb experiment. The XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS results demonstrated the successful preparation of the coated LiF-B sample. The TG-DTG and closed bomb experiment results indicated that the addition of LiF decreased the ignition temperature of B powder, and increasing its reaction efficiency. DSC results show that when LiF-B was added, the released heat of underwater explosive increased by 6727.2, 7280.4 and 3109.6 J/g at heating rates of 5, 10, and 15 °C/min, respectively. Moreover, LiF-B decreased the activation energy of secondary combustion reaction of explosive system as calculated through Kissinger's method by 28.9%, which indicated an excellent catalytic effect for the thermal decomposition of underwater explosive. The results reveal that LiF can improve the combustion efficiency of B powder, thereby increasing the total energy of explosives. The mechanical sensitivity increased slightly after adding LiF-B to the underwater explosive. Compared to the underwater explosive with added B, the mechanical sensitivity of the explosive with added LiF-B was significantly lower.     

Preparation of reduced sensitivity co-crystals of cyclic nitramines using spray flash evaporation

The present day weapon technology demands novel energetic materials that exhibit simultaneous high explosive yield and reduced sensitivity. This article demonstrates application of spray evaporation to prepare reduced sensitive co-crystals of high performance nitramine explosives like HMX and CL-20 with a relatively less insensitive explosive 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene or FOX-7. Stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding in FOX-7 is responsible for limited solubility in most of organic solvents. Large solubility differences of FOX-7 with HMX and CL-20 restricts it's co-crystallization through classical methods that yields thermodynamically favorable product. Spray flash evaporation, a kinetic crystallization method, has been therefore adopted and could successfully produce CL-20/FOX-7 (2:1) and HMX/FOX-7 (4:1) co-crystals. The fine powdered materials obtained were characterized by SEM, powder XRD, Raman spectroscopy, DSC-TGA etc. Multipoint Raman spectra showed consistent occurrence of spectral features indicating stoichiometric co-existence of ingredients in the crystal lattices. DSC analysis showed absence of all thermally assisted solid-solid phase transformation in the co-crystals as they were observed in pristine materials. The thermal stability calculated in terms of activation barrier for decomposition, revealed the CL-20/FOX-7 co-crystal to be intermediately stable on comparison to their constituents while, the HMX/FOX-7 co-crystal is more stable. Compared to pure HMX and CL-20, both the co-crystals have shown higher insensitivity to impact force, suggesting them to be suitable for future generation insensitive munitions.     

Effect of particle gradation of aluminum on the explosion field pressure and temperature of RDX-based explosives in vacuum and air atmosphere

To optimize the energy output and improve the energy utilization efficiency of an aluminized explosive, an explosion device was developed and used to investigate the detonation pressure and temperature of R1 (Al6) aluminum powder and the aluminum powder particle gradation of R2 (Al6+Al13), R3 (Al6+Al24) and R4 (Al6+Al flake) in a confined space. By using gas chromatography, quantitative analysis and calculations were carried out to analyze the gaseous detonation products. Finally, the reaction ratios of the aluminum powder and the explosion reaction equations were calculated. The results show that in a confined space, the quasi-static pressures and equilibrium temperature of the aluminum powder in air are higher than in vacuum. In vacuum, the quasi-static pressures and equilibrium temperatures of the samples in descending order are R1>R3>R4>R2 and R3>R4>R1>R2, respectively. In air, the quasi-static pressures and equilibrium temperatures of the samples in descending order are R1>R2>R4>R3 and R1>R4>R2>R3, respectively. R4 (Al6+Al flake) and R3 (Al6+Al24) have relatively higher temperatures after detonation, which shows that the particle gradation method can enhance the reaction energy output of aluminum during the initial reaction stage of the explosion and increase the reaction ratio by 10.6% and 8.0%, respectively. In air, the reaction ratio of Al6 aluminum powder can reach as high as 78.16%, and the reaction ratio is slightly reduced after particle gradation. Finally, the reaction equations of the explosives in vacuum and in air were calculated by quantitative analysis of the explosion products, which provides a powerful basis for the study of RDX-based explosive reactions.     

采用扩展有限元法的线式爆炸分离装置裂纹扩展分析

为了提高线式爆炸分离装置的安全性,本研究基于扩展有限元法,通过创建二维和三维动态裂纹扩展模型,探索了线式爆炸分离装置在爆轰波作用过程中的动态裂纹扩展和止裂机理。研究表明,分离壳体的裂纹扩展路径独立于裂纹初始角度;不考虑载荷时序时,二维和三维动态裂纹扩展的主方向分别沿着分离壳体的径向和环向;考虑载荷时序时,受不同区域应力波的联合作用,三维裂纹沿环向扩展的同时会沿着轴向扩展,但裂纹的扩展均不会影响到止裂槽以外的结构。所提方法和相应结论可为线式爆炸分离装置设计提供参考。     

Scale-up synthesis and characterization of 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide

2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (ANPZO), as an insensitive high explosive, with a high yield and excellent purity has been prepared at pilot plant scale by an improved method. The synthesized ANPZO is characterized by IR, laser granularity measurement, SEM and HPLC. The particle analysis revealed that the improved method could offer desired product with average particle size of 40 μm and high purity (>98.45%). The experimental parameters exhibited that the detonation velocity of the formulation based on ANPZO was higher than that of the corresponding TATB formulation. The DSC curve showed that the exothermic decomposition of the product occurred at the temperature between 300.5 °C and 360.4 °C. Furthermore, the sensitivity test suggests its safe nature towards mechanical stimulus.