Microstructure effects on the detonation velocity of a heterogeneous high-explosive

Although numerous methods exist for the theoretical calculation of detonation parameters of explosives, few thermodynamic-hydrodynamic-based theoretical codes take into account particle size. The basis for their computational analysis is primarily focused on the equation of state of the detonation products, heat of formation, and density of the explosive composition. This study utilized regression analysis to model the relationship between the microstructure characteristics and detonation velocity of a heterogeneous high-explosive composition containing cyclotrimethylene-trinitrmaine (RDX). The principal characteristics examined were the average particle size of RDX, amount of HMX impurity within the RDX particles, method of RDX manufacture, and compositional density. Statistical analysis demonstrated the relevancy of the microstructure influence on the detonation velocity of the developed experimental compositions of 73 wt. % solids and 27 wt. % polyurethane binder. An equation is developed that accurately predicts detonation velocity based on average particle size, density, and manufacturing process for RDX. The model underscores the significance of the relationship between the average particle size and detonation velocity. Compositions containing smaller average particle sizes of RDX generate higher detonation velocities. A 100 micron increase in the average particle size was shown to decrease detonation velocity by 161 m/s for the monomodal polyurethane compositions used in this study. The relevance of using statistical models for selecting characteristics that result in optimum explosive performance is addressed.