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Modeling shock initiation and detonation divergence tests on TATB‐Based Explosives
Author(s) -
Tarver Craig M.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.56
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1521-4087
pISSN - 0721-3115
DOI - 10.1002/prep.19900150404
Subject(s) - tatb , explosive material , detonation , shock (circulatory) , materials science , mechanics , shock wave , ignition system , physics , thermodynamics , chemistry , medicine , organic chemistry
The Pantex shock initation gap test, the Pantex corner turning test for detonation divergence, and recent short shock pulse shock initiation experiments using embedded gauges on TATB‐based solid high explosives are calculated in the two‐dimensional hydrodynamic computer code DYNA2D using the published ignition and growth reactive flow model for LX‐17. The calculations demonstrate that the Pantex gap test, like all gap tests for shock initiation, produces a complex two‐dimensional flow field involving a curved leading shock front and rarefaction waves form the rear and from the edge of the explosive being tested. The predicted brass gap thickness of 2.375 ± 0.125 mm for LX‐17 agrees closely with the measured critical gap thickness of 2.23 mm for 50% detonation. Excellent calculational agreement is also obtained with measured rates of detonation wave divergence for LX‐17 in the Pantex corner turning test. The reaction rates for TATB‐based explosives are varied to demonstrate the extreme sensitivity of this test to changes in explosive properties. Recent embedded particle velocity gauge experiments using various thickness flying plates of magnesium impacting PBX‐9502 are accurately calculated using the standard LX‐17 reaction rates.