Friction In PBX 9502

摘要

Friction is a concern in many explosives because the heat generated can initiate a violent reaction directly, or the heat can produce deflagration, which transits to detonation. Also, heating from shear strain, through sliding friction or viscous effects, is considered a likely hot spot mechanism that could lead to ignition in many explosives. However, these scenarios do not hold true for the insensitive high explosive PBX 9502 (by weight: 95% TATB, 5% Kel-F 800?). Because the extreme insensitivity of this material to mechanical, thermal, and combined insults is well established, funding for research to quantity friction effects has been minimal. This paper presents a case for the TATB acting as a lubricant. In the interest of promoting a better understanding of this unusual characteristic, this paper reviews some published and unpublished work in this area. Light and electron micrographs are used to illustrate some of the points.