A PLAN FOR STUDYING THE THERMO-MECHANICAL PARAMETERS WHICH INFLUENCE PREMATURE IGNITIONS IN ARTILLARY PROJECTILES FILLED WITH CASTABLE SECONDARY EXPLOSIVES

摘要

We have been involved in a reimbursable contract for the Army Research and Development Command (ARRADCOM). Our effort is part of an ARRADCOM program to develop a castable explosive fill technology for artillary projectiles employing a modified version of Composition-B which will reduce the incidence of premature explosions. Although we were not directly tasked with investigating the mechanisms by which prematures occur, these questions have received considerable consideration and our conclusions are summarized in this report. Thermo-mechanical parameters affecting premature ignitions are discussed. The factors required for ignition of Composition-B through gas compression and friction are discussed in detail. The thermal and mechanical properties which influence this proposed behavior are discussed. An integrated analytic and experimental effort to verify and quantify these proposed effects is discussed.