High explosive, definition

The spectra in Figure 11.4 were recorded from headspace vapor either at room temperature (TNT, PETN) or elevated temperature (about 50°C for RDX). For TNT this corresponds to a saturated headspace vapor pressure of less than 10 ppb. At these levels strong signal is observed with relatively weak signal from room air. Explosives compounds that have been detected by the MS detector with high sensitivity include TNT, ADNT, DNT, NT, TNB, DNB, DMNB, RDX, HMX, EGDN, NG, PETN, and TATP. (see Explosive Definitions, page 329). 

Several aspects of explosives definition, classification, fundamental features, important characteristics including their applications in various fields have already been discussed in Chapter 1. During last 50 years, the number of explosives reported in the literature has increased exponentially and it is therefore proposed to discuss the status of current and future explosives in this chapter. Toward the end, some areas have also been identified for further research in the coming years by the high energy materials (HEMs) community. 

The discovery of the phenomenon of initiation by Alfred Nobel and the invention of the blasting cap14 stand at the beginning of the development of modern explosives, perhaps the most important discovery and invention in the history of the art. The phenomenon has supplied a basis for the definition of high explosives, that is to say, of those explosives, whether sensitive or insensitive, which are incapable, without the invention, of being used safely and controllably or perhaps even of being used at all. 

Black powder is a mechanical mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal, which is mostly pressed, granulated and classified into definite grain fractions. It faster deflagrates than it detonates it is thus classified as a low explosive, compared to the detonating high explosives. 

TEX forms white to slightly yellow crystals, which may be colored brown to other various colors due to impurities. TEX is a moderately powerful explosive with definite stability. It can be used effectively in rocket propellants, high performance gun propellants, or high explosive compositions. ... 

SAFETY PROFILE A very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat, flame, shock, or oxidizers. It is a powerful high explosive. Nitrostarch is not a definite compound, but a mixture of various nitric acid esters of starch with different degrees of nitration. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also NITRO COMPOUNDS. 

HC Mixture, 245 High explosives, 1, 2 Homomartonite, 130 Humidity, definition of, 31 effect of, 31 ... 

In the small-scale tests, water was jetted into the salt both from above and below the interface. Explosions were erratic with many tests simply producing water vapor which ejected the salt. In some tests, high-speed photography was employed and, at the highest framing speeds (13,000 fps), the explosion, if it occurred, took place within the time of a single frame, i.e., <77 ju,sec. No definitive conclusions were drawn except that, if an explosion did occur, it was very short in duration and rather destructive. 

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