Accession Number:

AD0272180

Title:

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF PASTE EXPLOSIVE

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept. Jul 60-Mar 61.

Corporate Author:

ARMY ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABS FORT BELVOIR VA

Personal Author(s):

• VANDERSLUIS,HOWARD J.

Report Date:

1961-10-31

Pagination or Media Count:

24.0

Abstract:

Tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing a special-purpose RDX base paste explosive as an expedient substitute for standard military explosives. The paste explosive was found to be less sensitive than Comp. C-4 Columns 1 in. in diam were able to transmit propagation across 14-in. air gaps in the columns, but smaller columns could not. Columns 12 in. in diam and 20 ft long detonated high order the entire length whether the explosive was extruded on the surface of the ground or confined in steel pipe. The explosive adhered reasonably well to greased steel, concrete, and wood and to a lesser degree to wet or muddy surfaces. Aluminum powder and other additives can be rapidly mixed into the paste explosive to increase the blast effect. The explosive makes an effective filler for improvised shaped charges, and shows promise for use in steel and timber cutting. The paste explosive will also detonate when placed under water for brief periods. It is concluded that the use of paste explosive for military demolition missions is practicable. Author

Descriptors:

• *EXPLOSIVES
• *RDX
• ADDITIVES
• ADHESION
• CLIMATE
• DEMOLITION CHARGES
• DETONATIONS
• SENSITIVITY
• SHAPED CHARGES
• TEMPERATURE
• TEST METHODS
• UNDERWATER

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE