Defect generation in polymer-bonded explosives exposed to internal gas injection

Sensitivity in polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs) relies on the presence of defects, such as cracks and voids, which create localized thermal energy, commonly known as hotspots, and initiate reactions through various localization phenomena. Our prior research has explored the use of internal gas pressure induced by thermite ignition to generate localized defects for PBX sensitization. However, further research is required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the defect generation process resulting from internal gas pressure. This study investigates the process of defect generation in PBXs in response to internally induced gas pressure by applying controlled compressed gas to a fabricated cavity within the materials, simulating the gas pressure emitting from thermite. X-ray micro-computed tomography was employed to visualize the microstructure of the sample before and after gas injection. The experiments reveal the significance of gas pressure, cavity shape, temperature, and specimen compaction pressure in the defect generation. Numerical simulations using Abaqus/Standard were conducted to assess the defect generation in mock PBXs under varying gas pressures, cohesive properties, and binder thicknesses. The simulation results demonstrate the substantial influence of these properties on the ability to generate defects in mock PBXs. This study contributes to a better understanding of the factors influencing defect generation in mock PBXs. This knowledge is crucial for achieving precise control over defect generation, leading to improved ignition and detonation characteristics in PBXs.