The effect of RDX crystal defect structure on mechanical response of a polymer-bonded explosive

Journal article (2016)

Authors

A.E.D.M. van der Heijden Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering , TNO
Research Group
Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Crystal defect structure Non-shock deformation Polymer bonded explosive
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2016

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Process and Energy

Research Group

Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems

Abstract

An explosive composition, derived from AFX-757, was systematically varied by using three different qualities of Class I RDX. The effect of internal defect structure of the RDX crystal on the shock sensitivity of a polymer bonded explosive is generally accepted (Doherty and Watt, 2008). Here the response to a mechanical non-shock stimulus is studied using an explosion-driven deformation test as well as the ballistic impact chamber. No correlation between RDX crystal quality and deformation sensitivity is observed. The DDT behavior (Deflagration to Detonation Transition) of the three plastic bonded explosives, although similar in composition, is distinct regarding the rate of diameter increase in the explosion-driven deformation test. Recovered polymer bonded explosive from the explosion-driven deformation test responds equally fast or slower in the ballistic impact chamber. Based on our experimental results the shear rate threshold as a single parameter describing mechanical sensitivity is challenged, and preference is given to the development of an ignition criterion based on inter-granular sliding friction under the action of a normal pressure.