Slow cook-off-test

Presently, research is on-going into trying to find alternatives to AP/A1 (see also Ch. 1.2.4). The problems with the AP/A1 mixtures which contain HTPB as a binder, are two-fold. On the one hand AP is toxic and should be substituted for this reason alone (see Ch. 1.2.4). On the other hand, such formulations are also problematic in slow cook-off tests (SCO test, see Ch. 6.2). It appears to be the case that here the AP slowly decomposes during the formation of acidic side-products. These acidic side-products then react with the HTPB binder, which can result in the formation of cracks und cavities in the composite, which consequently negatively affects the performance and sensitivity. Possible alternatives for AP are ADN, HNF and TAGNF. However, they cause other problems, such as, for example, the low thermal stability (ADN melts at 93 °C and already decomposes at 135 °C) and the binder compatibility is not always guaranteed either. Further research work is absolutely necessary in order to find better oxidizers for solid propellants. In this context, the following requirements must be fulfilled ... 

The criteria for insensitive explosives subjected to ha2ard tests permit no reaction more violent than burning in slow and fast cook-off tests and fragment and bullet tests, no propagation in sympathetic detonation tests, no detonation when stmck by a shaped charge jet, no sustained burning when hit by a small fragment, and such special tests as may be required by the use of the explosive. 

The explosives used for military purposes are different from those used in industry. Not only thermo mechanical power for destruction, but also various other characteristics are required. Experimental tests, such as slow cook-off fast cook-off, bullet impact, and sympathetic explosion tests, must be passed to meet the requirements for insensitive munitions (IM). The aerodynamic heating of warheads on flight projectiles is also an important factor in designing warheads. 

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