MR-201611 - Underwater UXO Neutralization by Explosively-Generated Plasma

EGPs are created by the focusing of a shock produced from an explosive driver via a conical waveguide. In the waveguide, the gases from the explosive along with the trapped air are accelerated and compressed (by Mach stemming) to such extent that plasma is produced. These EGPs have been measured in controlled experiments to travel at velocities as high as 21,000 km/s with temperatures of 20,000 K. Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) can be used to perforate the casing of the Naval 5" round and neutralize the explosive fill by initiating a low order or deflagratory process. The EGP couples with the highexplosive fill resulting in a high temperature chemical decomposition along nontraditional kinetic pathways that results in rapid deflagration without detonation. The introduction of an EGPbased technology with a sealed waveguide for the remediation of underwater UXOs provides an innovative alternative to existing BIP operations with far less environmental impact. This technology provides the potential for rapid and nearcomplete consumption of the energetic fill without the associated shock and bubble formation/collapse from a detonating UXO