Accession Number:

AD0743762

Title:

The Thermal Decomposition of RDX

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Miles, Kenneth K.

Report Date:

1972-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

90.0

Abstract:

Cyclotrimethlenetrinitramine RDX or Cyclonite exists in two polymorphic species, alpha and beta. The alpha-form is stable under normal conditions, whereas beta-RDX is formed by recrystallization from high boiling solvents. It immediately transfers to the alpha-form in the presence of excess alpha-RDX, and it is therefore assumed that RDX as it exists in its normal state consists solely of the alpha polymorph. The thermal decomposition of RDX has been comprehensively studied by means of quantitative measurements of the decomposition products. The thermal stability of explosive compositions has also been investigated by measuring the rate of gas evolution during decomposition. It was the purpose of the work to obtain thermal and kinetic data for RDX using differential thermal analysis DTA experimental methods. These results and techniques were compared with those obtained using the other methods and with theoretical values. The favorable results lend credibility to the DTA method.

Descriptors:

• *RDX
• STABILITY
• REACTION KINETICS
• THESES
• DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL ANALYSIS
• CATALYSIS
• DECOMPOSITION

Subject Categories:

• Physical Chemistry
• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE