Accession Number:

ADA191928

Title:

A Comparative Assessment of US and UK Explosives Qualified as Replacements for Tetryl,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

MATERIALS RESEARCH LABS ASCOT VALE (AUSTRALIA)

Personal Author(s):

• Spear, Robert J.
• Nanut, Victor

Report Date:

1987-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

27.0

Abstract:

Three UK and seven US production formulations qualified as replacements for tetryl in fuzes have been obtained through TTCP WTP-1. Characterization of powders - Rotter impact sensitiveness, temperature of ignition, vacuum thermal stability and electrostatic spark sensitivity - and of pressed charges - shock sensitivity - has been carried out at MRL. The use of tetryl in munition filling operations has largely been phased out in Western countries. The US has ceased manufacture and filling with tetryl, and the UK is designing and filling all new stores with alternative explosives. The principal reason for these decisions has been the pollution and environmental problems associated with manufacture of tetryl, together with the possible associated health risks to personnel engaged in filling operations. Australia has never manufactured tetryl and stock held in storage was sufficient for requirements for a number of years at current usage rates. As a consequence, replacement of tetryl received low priority, but in 1985 MRL was tasked to investigate and recommend suitable materials.

Descriptors:

• *BOOSTERS(EXPLOSIVES)
• *FUZES(ORDNANCE)
• AUSTRALIA
• ELECTROSTATICS
• EXPLOSIVES
• HEALTH
• IGNITION
• PERSONNEL
• POWDERS
• PRODUCTION
• REPLACEMENT
• RISK
• SENSITIVITY
• SHOCK
• SPARKS
• STORAGE
• TETRYL
• THERMAL STABILITY
• RDX
• SUBSTITUTES
• IMPACT TESTS
• RELIABILITY
• PLASTIC BONDED EXPLOSIVES

Subject Categories:

• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE