Explosive mixtures detonating at low velocity

Abstract

Same explosive mixtures detonating at a low velocity and not containing high explosives were experimentally investigated. As a system providing detonation capability, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and powdered aluminium was employed. Glass or urea-form-aldehyde resin beads or lead oxides were used to reduce detonation parameters. Detonation velocity and critical diameter were measured for mixtures differentiated in composition and density. As a result of the investigation, a number of explosives were worked out which are characterized by the capability of stable detonation at a very low velocity (below 1000 m/s) and simultaneously, some of them have a relatively high density (even over 2 g/cm3). An attempt of physical and chemical interpretation of the results obtained is also included.