Accession Number:

AD0600603

Title:

THE MECHANISM OF EXPLOSION INITIATIONS IN THE STANDARD IMPACT SENSITIVITY TESTER

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Mar 1963-29 Feb 1964

Corporate Author:

LEHIGH UNIV BETHLEHEM PA INST OF RESEARCH

Personal Author(s):

• Moyle, Morton P.
• Fedor, A. J.

Report Date:

1964-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

48.0

Abstract:

Experimental impact sensitivity data have been obtained for normal propyl nitrate as the condensed phase with gas bodies consisting of the single component systems - Argon, Helium, Nitrogen, Freon-12 binary systems - Helium- Oxygen, Nitrogen-Oxygen, Freon-12 - Oxygen and the ternary system - Freon-12He - Oxygen. The experimental program has separated for the first time the effects of heat capacity ratio, thermal conductivity, and chemical reactivity of the gas body on the impact sensitivity. Based upon a theoretical model of initiation proposed, the impact sensitivity of n-propyl nitrate has been correlated with the thermal diffusivity of the entrapped gas body. The correlation correctly predicts that Argon, Nitrogen, and Freon-12 gas bodies require energies above 92 Kg-cm for initiation to occur. The effect of chemical reactivity of the gas body is also accounted for.

Descriptors:

• *EXPLOSIVES INITIATORS
• *LIQUID ROCKET PROPELLANTS
• *TEST EQUIPMENT
• ALKANES
• DROP TESTS
• EXPLOSIONS
• GASES
• HAZARDS
• NITRATES
• REACTION KINETICS
• SENSITIVITY
• TEST METHODS

Subject Categories:

• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE