Detonation theory for condensed phase explosives with anisotropic properties

Abstract

Detonation theory for condensed phase explosives with anisotropic properties is relevant to energetic materials that are crystals in their unreacted state and have anisotropic material properties due to their underlying molecular structure. For example, crystalline, molecular explosives like PETN and azides, depending on which crystal face is shocked, initiate detonation at different shock pressures. We discuss our recent efforts to construct a theory of sustained detonation that has strong directionally dependent effects and properties. We propose a continuum, phase-field theory that is capable of describing the transition from anisotropic unreacted solid to reacted condensed products. The material behavior is allowed to include anisotropic elasticity, heat conduction and reaction. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.