Limits in Condensed Explosives

This subject was discussed recently by W.E. Gordon in the 4thONRSympDeton (1965), pp 179-97 (23 refs) 

The paper surveys published work on detonation limits, correlates the data with other props, reviews theories on the subject, and seeks a coherent overall view. It is assumed that at the limit the deton snock strength becomes critical for initiation of reaction. The critical shock pressure is therefore a significant quantity to examine. Data obtd for ten expls (TNT, AP, EDNA, DNT, AN, Ammon Dynamite, AN/Oil, AN/ 

AN/TNT AN/Comp B) show that chge density, per se, has the strongest influence on critical pressure. Another important factor is reaction zone length. Chem differences betwn expls have a minor effect dynamites contg NG are a notable exception The problem of sensitivity testing is also examined because deton limit data show that the critical shock pressure decreases with increasing particle size. This seems to run counter to the results of minimum booster-type sensitivity tests. The discrepancy is resolved when shock wave initiation is viewed as a combination effect of both pressure duration 

Deton limits in truly homogeneous expls require special treatment, because here the induction period for initiation of reaction is virtually equal to the reaction time. 

An unusual critical density phenomenon is encountered with AN/fuel expls. This has been attributed by Gordon to diffusion-limited reaction. This case is reviewed, and the implications concerning the question of detonability in solid composite proplnts are examined 

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Gordon, W.E., Detonation Limits in Condensed Explosives, in Fourth Symposium (International) on Detonation, ACR-126 (edited by Jacobs, S.J.), Office of Naval Research, Washington, DC, 1966, pp. 179-197. 

Measurement of the Detonation-Front Structure in Condensed-Phase Explosives , Ibid, 863-67 11) W.E. Gordon, "Detonation Limits in Condensed Explosives , 4thONRSympDeton(1965), 179-97 12) M.C. Chick, "The Effect of... 

Gordon, "Detonation Limits in Condensed Explosives , Ibid, pp 179-97 19g) R.E. 

Critical diameter-critical density relationship lor composite explosives given by Gordon in Ref 13, pp 837-38 is abstracted in this Vol under "Detonation Limits in Composite Explosives", Critical diameter-critical density relationship in condensed explosives, given by Gordon in Ref 14, pp 180-85 8t 193-96 is abstracted in this Vol under "Detonation Limits in Condensed Explosives . The resume of paper by Price (Ref 15) is given in this Vol under the title "Contrasting Patterns in the Behavior of High Explosives ... 

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