Light-initiated explosive for impulse experiments on structural members. [Silver acetylide-silver nitrate]

An experimental technique utilizing spray-deposited light-sensitive high explosive has been developed for the purpose of delivering impulse loads to mechanical structures. An intense flash of light causes the explosive to detonate, producing a nearly simultaneous, distributed impulse load on the sprayed structure. Simple structures as well as complex systems requiring contoured and/or discontinuous loading can be tested. This paper describes the experimental technique and discusses the data obtained from a test on an elastic beam. The experimental data are compared to elastic theory predictions. The good agreement between experiment and theory verifies that this technique can be used satisfactorily for studying the response of structures to impulse loading in the laboratory. (auth)