Transverse initiation of an insensitive explosive in a layered slab geometry: Initiation modes

Abstract

Experiments are presented that explore the shock initiating layer dynamics in an insensitive high explosive. Tests were conducted with a PBX 9502 (95% TATB, 5% Kel-F 800) slab bonded on one side to a PBX 9501 (95% HMX, 2.5% Estane, 2.5% BDNPAF) slab. For each test, a planar detonation in the PBX 9501 was generated to drive a shock intended to initiate the PBX 9502. Shocks of sufficient strength generated a region of delayed reaction in the PBX 9502 immediately adjacent to the PBX9501. Slow reactions in this region coupled energy with the initial shock resulting in a transition to detonation further from the 9501/9502 interface, a process analogous to the run-up to detonation in shocked one-dimensional (1D) explosive configurations. The thickness of the PBX 9501 layer was varied to control the strength and duration of the transmitted shock. Phase velocities at the explosive outer surfaces and wave-front breakout shapes are reported and discussed. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.