Accession Number:

ADA090357

Title:

A Reaction Mechanism in the Shock Initiation of Detonation. A theoretical Study

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ARMY ARMAMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER DOVER NJ

Personal Author(s):

• Alster, Jack
• Slagg, Norman
• Dewar, Michael J.
• Ritchie, James P.
• Wells, Charles

Report Date:

1980-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

14.0

Abstract:

In a chain explosion, the initial chemical reaction follows one or more modes of reaction 1,2. The ensuing highly reactive transient species, commonly believed to be radicals, react with intact explosive molecules to produce more radicals which ultimately recombine and release energy sufficient to support a detonation wave. To achieve better control over the detonation process it is important to know the rate of the relatively slow, primary reaction step and the nature of the transient species produced in this step. When, in particular, a condensed explosive experiences the high dynamic pressure of a strong, initiating shock wave, it may initially decompose via a bimolecular rather than a more commonly accepted unimolecular process. The present study was undertaken to examine this question in relation to the primary reaction step in liquid methyl nitrate undergoing shock initiation of detonation.

Descriptors:

• *REACTION KINETICS
• *EXPLOSIVES
• *DETONATION WAVES
• COMPRESSION
• CONTROL
• CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
• PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
• SHOCK WAVES
• THEORY
• CHEMICAL BONDS
• OXIDIZERS
• TRANSITIONS
• FREE RADICALS
• DECOMPOSITION
• TNT
• DYNAMIC PRESSURE
• MOLECULAR ORBITALS
• HEAT OF FORMATION

Subject Categories:

• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE