Detonation parameters of PlSEM plastic explosive

Abstract

PlSEM is a plastic explosive based on RDX, PETN and a non-explosive binder, and is used in linear shaped charges for demolition purposes. Its experimentally obtained detonation parameters are presented in the present paper. The detonation velocity was measured for cylindrical charges of various diameters, with and without confinement. The detonation pressure and particle velocity were determined using an impedance window matching technique, and cylinder tests were used to obtain the parameters of the JWL equation of state of the detonation products. Detonation velocities from 7.75 to 8.05 km's-1 were obtained for unconfined charges with diameters from 4 to 8 mm, and from 8.15 to 8.24 km's-1 for charges with 25 mm diameter. The experimentally determined detonation pressure was found to be 24.6 GPa.