Because of the potential of nano‐TATB as a charge in slapper detonator, the shock initiation threshold of nano‐TATB explosive was studied over short pulse durations (down to 0.017 μs) and high pressure ranges (up to 17 GPa). The pulses were produced by the impact of thin plastic flyer plates, which were accelerated by electrically exploded metal foils. Nano‐TATB powders with a mean particle size of 60 nm were prepared and pressed into cylindrical sample charges with three densities (1.56, 1.64 and 1.74 g/cm3). The flyer impact velocity data versus charging voltages was measured with different flyer thicknesses. Together with the Hugoniot relationships of flyer and samples, the impact pressures and pulse durations were calculated. By using Langlie method, the threshold pressures for shock initiation were determined. In case of the identical flyer plate, the threshold pressure increases with increasing density. In case of the identical explosive density, the threshold pressure increases as the thickness of the flyer decreases (i. e. the pulse duration decreases) except for the highest tested density. These data are represented well by a constant P2τ initiation criterion for the short, high‐pressure pulses and deviate from the P2τ behavior at lower pressures. Finally, nano‐TATB is proved to be a little more sensitive to short‐duration pulses than superfine TATB, but much more sensitive than production grade TATB.
Investigation of the energy performance of HMXbased aluminized explosives added with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) oxidizer was undertaken and compared with the PTFE-free aluminized explosive of similar formulation. Firstly, the heat of explosion was measured in a calorimetric bomb, next the underwater explosion was conducted, then the cylinder expansion test was performed, and finally, the detonation reaction zone parameters were determined by the interface particle velocity experiment. Compared with the PTFE-free aluminized explosive, the addition of PTFE into aluminized explosives increases the heat of explosion significantly from the calorimetric data. The PTFE-containing aluminized explosive also yields the longer first bubble oscillation time in the underwater explosion than the PTFE-free and ammonium perchlorate-containing counterparts. From the cylinder test data, the wall velocity and Gurney energy were determined. The aluminized HMX containing PTFE shows an inferior acceleration ability to PTFE-free aluminized HMX, but exhibits a stronger afterburning potential. The addition of PTFE to aluminized HMX decreases detonation velocity and CJ pressure and increases the detonation reaction zone time and length. It has reasons to believe that the PTFE partially decomposes in detonation reaction zone. Conclusions on the potential use and suggestion for future research of PTFE as an oxidizer in aluminized explosives are drawn.
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