Non-detonable and non-explosive explosive simulators

DOEpatents

Simpson, R.L.; Pruneda, C.O.

1997-07-15

A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable or explodable is disclosed. The simulator is a combination of an explosive material with an inert material, either in a matrix or as a coating, where the explosive has a high surface ratio but small volume ratio. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs, calibrating analytical instruments which are sensitive to either vapor or elemental composition, or other applications where the hazards associated with explosives is undesirable but where chemical and/or elemental equivalence is required. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques. A first method involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and a second method involves coating inert substrates with thin layers of explosive. 11 figs.

A Binary Eutectic Mixture of TNAZ and R-Salt Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandstrom, Mary; Manner, Virginia; Pemberton, Steven; Lloyd, Joseph; Tappan, Bryce

2011-06-01

TNAZ is a high performing explosive that is melt castable. However, the casting process can be problematic since TNAZ has a high vapor pressure exacerbated by a fairly high melting temperature. In order to mitigate the ill effects of its high vapor pressure, including a lower melting explosive was explored by making a series of mixtures of TNAZ and R-Salt. Initially, a eutectic temperature and composition was theoretically determined. Then a phase diagram was constructed from a series and mixtures by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC). The vapor pressure of the eutectic composition was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Cylinder testing of the eutectic composition was carried out in copper tubes, 5'' long with 1/2 ``inner diameter and 1/16'' thick walls. The detonation velocity was measured using wire switches along the cylinder length and the expanding wall velocity was measured using PDV gauges. A rough evaluation of JWL equation-of-state parameters has been carried out. A more detailed evaluation is in progress.

Welding of titanium and stainless steel using the composite insert

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherepanov, A. N.; Mali, V. I.; Orishich, A. M.; Malikov, A. G.; Drozdov, V. O.; Malyutina, Y. N.

2016-11-01

The paper concerns the possibility of obtaining a lasting permanent joint of dissimilar metals: technically pure titanium and stainless steel using laser welding and an intermediate composite insert. The insert was a four-layer composition of plates of steel, copper, niobium, and titanium welded by explosion. The material layers used in the insert prevented the molten steel and titanium from mixing, which excluded the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds, such as FeTi and Fe2Ti. The optimization of explosion welding parameters provided a high quality of the four-layer composition and the absence of defects in the area of the joint of insert plates. The results of strength tests showed that values of the ultimate strength and yield of the permanent joint with the composite insert welded by explosion are comparable to the strength characteristics of titanium.

Insensitive explosive composition of halogenated copolymer and triaminotrinitrobenzene

DOEpatents

Benziger, Theodore M.

1976-01-01

A highly insensitive and heat resistant plastic-bonded explosive containing 90 wt % triaminotrinitrobenzene and 10 wt % of a fully saturated copolymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene and vinylidene fluoride is readily manufactured by the slurry process.

UHPC for Blast and Ballistic Protection, Explosion Testing and Composition Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bibora, P.; Drdlová, M.; Prachař, V.; Sviták, O.

2017-10-01

The realization of high performance concrete resistant to detonation is the aim and expected outcome of the presented project, which is oriented to development of construction materials for larger objects as protective walls and bunkers. Use of high-strength concrete (HSC / HPC - “high strength / performance concrete”) and high-fiber reinforced concrete (UHPC / UHPFC -“Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete”) seems to be optimal for this purpose of research. The paper describes the research phase of the project, in which we focused on the selection of specific raw materials and chemical additives, including determining the most suitable type and amount of distributed fiber reinforcement. Composition of UHPC was optimized during laboratory manufacture of test specimens to obtain the best desired physical- mechanical properties of developed high performance concretes. In connection with laboratory testing, explosion field tests of UHPC specimens were performed and explosion resistance of laboratory produced UHPC testing boards was investigated.

Explosive east coast cyclogenesis over the west-central North Atlantic Ocean - A composite study derived from ECMWF operational analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manobianco, John

1989-01-01

This paper describes the observational aspects of explosive east-coast cyclogenesis using composites constructed from the daily global analyses generated and archived by ECMWF. An explosively deepening storm or bomb is defined as an extratropical cyclone whose mean sea-level pressure falls at least 1 mb/h for 24 h. The ECMWF data sets are used to examine the three-dimensional kinematic and thermodynamic structure of bombs over the entire depth of the troposphere. The evolution and structure of the composite bomb is diagnosed using a moving coordinate system consisting of a box with dimensions of 35 x 35 deg of latitude-longitude. The results reveal that explosive cyclogenesis is a baroclinic phenomenon in which the rapid development in the presence of strong upper tropospheric forcing is most likely enhanced by a highly destabilized lower troposphere.

SUPERFUND TREATABILITY CLEARINGHOUSE: COMPOSITING EXPLOSIVES/ORGANICS CONTAMINATED SOILS

EPA Science Inventory

Laboratory scale and pilot scale studies were conducted to evaluate composting to treat sediments and soils containing explosive and organic compounds. Sediment and soil from lagoons at Army ammunition plants, located in Louisiana, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania contained high...

Explosive scabbling of structural materials

DOEpatents

Bickes, Jr., Robert W.; Bonzon, Lloyd L.

2002-01-01

A new approach to scabbling of surfaces of structural materials is disclosed. A layer of mildly energetic explosive composition is applied to the surface to be scabbled. The explosive composition is then detonated, rubbleizing the surface. Explosive compositions used must sustain a detonation front along the surface to which it is applied and conform closely to the surface being scabbled. Suitable explosive compositions exist which are stable under handling, easy to apply, easy to transport, have limited toxicity, and can be reliably detonated using conventional techniques.

Fabrication of high temperature materials by exothermic synthesis and subsequent dynamic consolidation

DOEpatents

Rabin, Barry H.; Korth, Gary E.; Wright, Richard N.; Williamson, Richard L.

1992-01-01

An apparatus for synthesizing a composite material such as titanium carbide and alumina from exothermic reaction of a sample followed by explosive induced consolidation of the reacted sample. The apparatus includes a lower base for holding a powdered composite sample, an igniter and igniter powder for igniting the sample to initiate an exothermic reaction and a piston for dynamically compressing the sample utilizing an explosive reaction.

Underwater sympathetic detonation of pellet explosive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubota, Shiro; Saburi, Tei; Nagayama, Kunihito

2017-06-01

The underwater sympathetic detonation of pellet explosives was taken by high-speed photography. The diameter and the thickness of the pellet were 20 and 10 mm, respectively. The experimental system consists of the precise electric detonator, two grams of composition C4 booster and three pellets, and these were set in water tank. High-speed video camera, HPV-X made by Shimadzu was used with 10 Mfs. The underwater explosions of the precise electric detonator, the C4 booster and a pellet were also taken by high-speed photography to estimate the propagation processes of the underwater shock waves. Numerical simulation of the underwater sympathetic detonation of the pellet explosives was also carried out and compared with experiment.

Effect of particle size and particle size distribution on physical characteristics, morphology and crystal structure of explosively compacted high-T(sub c) superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kotsis, I.; Enisz, M.; Oravetz, D.; Szalay, A.

1995-01-01

A superconductor, of composition Y(Ba,K,Na)2Cu3O(x)/F(y) and a composite of composition Y(Ba,K,Na)2Cu3O(x)/F(y) + Ag, with changing K, Na and F content but a constant silver content (Ag = 10 mass%) was prepared using a single heat treatment. the resulting material was ground in a corundum lined mill, separated to particle size fractions of 0-40 micron, 0-63 micron and 63-900 micron and explosively compacted, using an explosive pressure of 10(exp 4) MPa and a subsequent heat treatment. Best results were obtained with the 63-900 micron fraction of composition Y(Ba(1.95) K(0.01)Cu3O(x)F(0),(05)/Ag: porosity less than 0.01 cu cm/g and current density 2800 A/sq cm at 77K.

Novel high explosive compositions

DOEpatents

Perry, D.D.; Fein, M.M.; Schoenfelder, C.W.

1968-04-16

This is a technique of preparing explosive compositions by the in-situ reaction of polynitroaliphatic compounds with one or more carboranes or carborane derivatives. One or more polynitroaliphatic reactants are combined with one or more carborane reactants in a suitable container and mixed to a homogeneous reaction mixture using a stream of inert gas or conventional mixing means. Ordinarily the container is a fissure, crack, or crevice in which the explosive is to be implanted. The ratio of reactants will determine not only the stoichiometry of the system, but will effect the quality and quantity of combustion products, the explosive force obtained as well as the impact sensitivity. The test values can shift with even relatively slight changes or modifications in the reaction conditions. Eighteen illustrative examples accompany the disclosure. (46 claims)

Thermal explosion violence of HMX-based explosives -- effect of composition, confinement and phase transition using the scaled thermal explosion experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maienschein, J L; Wardell, J F; Reaugh, J E

We developed the Scaled Thermal Explosion Experiment (STEX) to provide a database of reaction violence from thermal explosion of explosives of interest. A cylinder of explosive, 1, 2 or 4 inches in diameter, is confined in a steel cylinder with heavy end caps, and heated under controlled conditions until it explodes. Reaction violence is quantified by micropower radar measurement of the cylinder wall velocity, and by strain gauge data at reaction onset. Here we describe the test concept and design, show that the conditions are well understood, and present initial data with HMX-based explosives. The HMX results show that anmore » explosive with high binder content yields less-violent reactions that an explosive with low binder content, and that the HMX phase at the time of explosion plays a key role in reaction violence.« less

Explosive complexes

DOEpatents

Huynh, My Hang V [Los Alamos, NM

2009-09-22

Lead-free primary explosives of the formula [M.sup.II(A).sub.R(B.sup.X).sub.S](C.sup.Y).sub.T, where A is 1,5-diaminotetrazole, and syntheses thereof are described. Substantially stoichiometric equivalents of the reactants lead to high yields of pure compositions thereby avoiding dangerous purification steps.

Explosive complexes

DOEpatents

Huynh, My Hang V [Los Alamos, NM

2011-08-16

Lead-free primary explosives of the formula [M.sup.II(A).sub.R(B.sup.X).sub.S](C.sup.Y).sub.T, where A is 1,5-diaminotetrazole, and syntheses thereof are described. Substantially stoichiometric equivalents of the reactants lead to high yields of pure compositions thereby avoiding dangerous purification steps.

Army Research Laboratory 2009 Annual Review

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

and in new Navy DDX and DDG ships . As a result of the high performance and low weight of composite materials, it is very likely that the Services...labs, an explosives casting lab, and it also has explosives x-ray capability . An indoor small arms shooting performance simulator with a high ...of nervous systems, rather than simply depending upon the adaptive abilities of Soldiers, and radically improve Soldier-system performance . a high

Process for preparing energetic materials

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L [Livermore, CA; Lee, Ronald S [Livermore, CA; Tillotson, Thomas M [Tracy, CA; Hrubesh, Lawrence W [Pleasanton, CA; Swansiger, Rosalind W [Livermore, CA; Fox, Glenn A [Livermore, CA

2011-12-13

Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials. Thus, the sol-gel method can be used for precision detonator explosive manufacturing as well as producing precision explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, along with high power composite energetic materials.

Sol-Gel Manufactured Energetic Materials

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L.; Lee, Ronald S.; Tillotson, Thomas M.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.; Swansiger, Rosalind W.; Fox, Glenn A.

2005-05-17

Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials. Thus, the sol-gel method can be used for precision detonator explosive manufacturing as well as producing precision explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, along with high power composite energetic materials.

Sol-gel manufactured energetic materials

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L.; Lee, Ronald S.; Tillotson, Thomas M.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.; Swansiger, Rosalind W.; Fox, Glenn A.

2003-12-23

Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials. Thus, the sol-gel method can be used for precision detonator explosive manufacturing as well as producing precision explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, along with high power composite energetic materials.

Advanced emergency openings for commercial aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bement, L. J.; Schimmel, M. L.

1985-01-01

Explosively actuated openings in composite panels are proposed to enhance passenger survivability within commercial aircraft by providing improvements in emergency openings, fuselage venting, and fuel dump. The concept is to embed a tiny, highly stable explosive cord in the periphery of a load-carrying composite panel; on initiation of the cord, the panel is fractured to create a well-defined opening. The panel would be installed in the sides of the fuselage for passenger egress, in the top of the fuselage for smoke venting, and in the bottoms of the fuel cells for fuel dump. Described are the concerns with the use of explosive systems, safety improvements, advantages, experimental results, and recommended approach to gain acceptance and develop this concept.

Lead-free primary explosives

DOEpatents

Huynh, My Hang V.

2010-06-22

Lead-free primary explosives of the formula (cat).sub.Y[M.sup.II(T).sub.X(H.sub.2O).sub.6-X].sub.Z, where T is 5-nitrotetrazolate, and syntheses thereof are described. Substantially stoichiometric equivalents of the reactants lead to high yields of pure compositions thereby avoiding dangerous purification steps.

27 CFR 555.221 - Requirements for display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in assembling fireworks or articles pyrotechnic. 555.221 Section 555.221 Alcohol, Tobacco Products, and Firearms BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO... Requirements for display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in assembling...

27 CFR 555.221 - Requirements for display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in assembling fireworks or articles pyrotechnic. 555.221 Section 555.221 Alcohol, Tobacco Products, and Firearms BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO... Requirements for display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in assembling...

Optical spectroscopy to study confined and semi-closed explosions of homogeneous and composite charges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiz, Lotfi; Trzciński, Waldemar A.; Paszula, Józef

2017-01-01

Confined and semi-closed explosions of new class of energetic composites as well as TNT and RDX charges were investigated using optical spectroscopy. These composites are considered as thermobarics when used in layered charges or enhanced blast explosives when pressed. Two methods to estimate fireball temperature histories of both homogeneous and metallized explosives from the spectroscopic data are also presented, compared and analyzed. Fireball temperature results of the charges detonated in a small explosion chamber under air and argon atmospheres, and detonated in a semi-closed bunker are presented and compared with theoretical ones calculated by a thermochemical code. Important conclusions about the fireball temperatures and the physical and chemical phenomena occurring after the detonation of homogeneous explosives and composite formulations are deduced.

Discrimination of smokeless powders by headspace SPME-GC-MS and SPME-GC-ECD, and the potential implications upon training canine detection of explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, Ross J.; Almirall, Jose R.; Furton, Kenneth G.

2005-05-01

This presentation will provide an odour analysis of a variety of smokeless powders & communicate the rapid SPME-GC-ECD method utilized. This paper will also discuss the implications of the headspace analysis of Smokeless Powders upon the choice of training aids for Explosives Detection Canines. Canine detection of explosives relies upon the dogs" ability to equate finding a given explosive odour with a reward, usually in the form of praise or play. The selection of explosives upon which the dogs are trained thus determines which explosives the canines can and potentially cannot find. Commonly, the training is focussed towards high explosives such as TNT and Composition 4, and the low explosives such as Black and Smokeless Powders are added often only for completeness. Powder explosives constitute a major component of explosive incidents throughout the US, and canines trained to detect explosives must be trained across the entire range of powder products. Given the variability in the manufacture and product make-up many smokeless powders do not share common odour chemicals, giving rise to concerns over the extensiveness of canine training. Headspace analysis of a selection of Smokeless Powders by Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography using Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and Electron Capture Detectors (SPME-GC-ECD) has highlighted significant differences in the chemical composition of the odour available from different brands. This suggests that greater attention should be paid towards the choice of Powder Explosives when assigning canine training aids.

Equations of State and High-Pressure Phases of Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peiris, Suhithi M.; Gump, Jared C.

Energetic materials, being the collective name for explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, and other flash-bang materials, span a wide range of composite chemical formulations. Most militarily used energetics are solids composed of particles of the pure energetic material held together by a binder. Commonly used binders include various oils, waxes, and polymers or plasticizers, and the composite is melt cast, cured, or pressed to achieve the necessary mechanical properties (gels, putties, sheets, solid blocks, etc.) of the final energetic material. Mining, demolition, and other industries use liquid energetics that are similarly composed of an actual energetic material or oxidizer together with a fuel, that is to be mixed and poured for detonation. Pure energetic materials that are commonly used are nitroglycerine, ammonium nitrate, ammonium or sodium perchlorate, trinitrotoluene (TNT), HMX, RDX, and TATB. All of them are molecular materials or molecular ions that when initiated or insulted undergoes rapid decomposition with excessive liberation of heat resulting in the formation of stable final products. When the final products are gases, and they are rapidly produced, the sudden pressure increase creates a shock wave. When decomposition is so rapid that the reaction moves through the explosive faster than the speed of sound in the unreacted explosive, the material is said to detonate. Typically, energetic materials that undergo detonation are known as high explosives (HEs) and energetic materials that burn rapidly or deflagrate are known as low explosives and/or propellants.

Insensitive explosive composition and method of fracturing rock using an extrudable form of the composition

DOEpatents

Davis, Lloyd L

2013-11-05

Insensitive explosive compositions were prepared by reacting di-isocyanate and/or poly-isocyanate monomers with an explosive diamine monomer. Prior to a final cure, the compositions are extrudable. The di-isocyanate monomers tend to produce tough, rubbery materials while polyfunctional monomers (i.e. having more than two isocyanate groups) tend to form rigid products. The extrudable form of the composition may be used in a variety of applications including rock fracturing.

Insensitive explosive composition and method of fracturing rock using an extrudable form of the composition

DOEpatents

Davis, Lloyd L.

2015-07-28

Insensitive explosive compositions were prepared by reacting di-isocyanate and/or poly-isocyanate monomers with an explosive diamine monomer. Prior to a final cure, the compositions are extrudable. The di-isocyanate monomers tend to produce tough, rubbery materials while polyfunctional monomers (i.e. having more than two isocyanate groups) tend to form rigid products. The extrudable form of the composition may be used in a variety of applications including rock fracturing.

High temperature two component explosive

DOEpatents

Mars, James E.; Poole, Donald R.; Schmidt, Eckart W.; Wang, Charles

1981-01-01

A two component, high temperature, thermally stable explosive composition comprises a liquid or low melting oxidizer and a liquid or low melting organic fuel. The oxidizer and fuel in admixture are incapable of substantial spontaneous exothermic reaction at temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K. At temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K., the oxidizer and fuel in admixture have an activation energy of at least about 40 kcal/mol. As a result of the high activation energy, the preferred explosive compositions are nondetonable as solids at ambient temperature, and become detonable only when heated beyond the melting point. Preferable oxidizers are selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred fuels are organic compounds having polar hydrophilic groups. The most preferred fuels are guanidinium nitrate, acetamide and mixtures of the two. Most preferred oxidizers are eutectic mixtures of lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, of sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate, and of potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate and sodium nitrate.

A reactive flow model with coupled reaction kinetics for detonation and combustion in non-ideal explosives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, P.J.

1996-07-01

A new reactive flow model for highly non-ideal explosives and propellants is presented. These compositions, which contain large amounts of metal, upon explosion have reaction kinetics that are characteristic of both fast detonation and slow metal combustion chemistry. A reaction model for these systems was incorporated into the two-dimensional, finite element, Lagrangian hydrodynamic code, DYNA2D. A description of how to determine the model parameters is given. The use of the model and variations are applied to AP, Al, and nitramine underwater explosive and propellant systems.

Development of explosively bonded TZM wire reinforced Columbian sheet composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Otto, H. E.; Carpenter, S. H.

1972-01-01

Methods of producing TZM molybdenum wire reinforced C129Y columbium alloy composites by explosive welding were studied. Layers of TZM molybdenum wire were wound on frames with alternate layers of C129Y columbium alloy foil between the wire layers. The frames held both the wire and foils in place for the explosive bonding process. A goal of 33 volume percent molybdenum wire was achieved for some of the composites. Variables included wire diameter, foil thickness, wire separation, standoff distance between foils and types and amounts of explosive. The program was divided into two phases: (1) development of basic welding parameters using 5 x 10-inch composites, and (2) scaleup to 10 x 20-inch composites.

Explosive composition with group VIII metal nitroso halide getter

DOEpatents

Walker, Franklin E.; Wasley, Richard J.

1982-01-01

An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1,500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a getter additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds capable of chemically reacting with free radicals or ions under shock initiation conditions of 2,000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less of energy fluence.

Explosive composition with group VIII metal nitroso halide getter

DOEpatents

Walker, F.E.; Wasley, R.J.

1982-06-22

An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1,500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a getter additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds capable of chemically reacting with free radicals or ions under shock initiation conditions of 2,000 calories/cm[sup 2] or less of energy fluence.

Residual Stress Development in Explosive-Bonded Bi-Metal Composite Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

at ANSTO, researching high temperature fatigue behaviour and modelling of ferritic pressure vessel steel , for which he was awarded the degree at...solidification cracking in steels and stainless steels . He has also undertaken extensive work on improving the weld zone toughness of high strength steels ...957. [3] I. Tatsukawa, I. Oda, ‘Residual Stress Measurements on Explosive Clad Stainless Steel ’, Trans. Japan Welding Soc., 2(2), 1971, p26-34

Characterization of ANFO explosive by high accuracy ESI(±)-FTMS with forensic identification on real samples by EASI(-)-MS.

PubMed

Hernandes, Vinicius Veri; Franco, Marcos Fernado; Santos, Jandyson Machado; Melendez-Perez, Jose J; de Morais, Damila Rodrigues; Rocha, Werickson Fortunato de Carvalho; Borges, Rodrigo; de Souza, Wanderley; Zacca, Jorge Jardim; Logrado, Lucio Paulo Lima; Eberlin, Marcos Nogueira; Correa, Deleon Nascimento

2015-04-01

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) is an explosive used in many civil applications. In Brazil, ANFO has unfortunately also been used in criminal attacks, mainly in automated teller machine (ATM) explosions. In this paper, we describe a detailed characterization of the ANFO composition and its two main constituents (diesel and a nitrate explosive) using high resolution and accuracy mass spectrometry performed on an FT-ICR-mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI(±)-FTMS) in both the positive and negative ion modes. Via ESI(-)-MS, an ion marker for ANFO was characterized. Using a direct and simple ambient desorption/ionization technique, i.e., easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), in a simpler, lower accuracy but robust single quadrupole mass spectrometer, the ANFO ion marker was directly detected from the surface of banknotes collected from ATM explosion theft. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Possibility of Using Composite Nanoparticles in High Energy Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komarova, M. V.; Vorozhtsov, A. B.; Wakutin, A. G.

2017-01-01

The effect of nanopowders on the burning rate varying with the metal content in mixtures of different high energy composition is investigated. Experiments were performed on compositions based on an active tetrazol binder and electroexplosive nanoaluminum with addition of copper, nickel, or iron nanopowders, and of Al-Ni, Al-Cu, or Al-Fe composite nanoparticles produced by electrical explosion of heterogeneous metal wires. The results obtained from thermogravimetric analysis of model metal-based compositions are presented. The advantages of the composite nanoparticles and the possibility of using them in high energy materials are discussed.

The Plumbing System of a Highly Explosive Basaltic Volcano: Sunset Crater, AZ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allison, C. M.; Roggensack, K.; Clarke, A. B.

2015-12-01

We seek to better understand highly explosive basaltic eruptions with specific focus on magmatic volatile solubility in alkali basalts and the magma plumbing system. Sunset Crater, an alkali basalt (~3.7 wt.% alkalis) scoria cone volcano, erupted explosively in 1085 AD. We analyzed 125 primary melt inclusions (MIs) from Sunset Crater tephra deposited by 2 subplinian phases and 1 Strombolian explosion to compare magma volatiles and storage conditions. We picked rapidly quenched free olivine crystals and selected large volume MIs (50-180 μm) located toward crystal cores. MIs are faceted and exhibit little major element composition variability with minor post entrapment crystallization (2-10%). MIs are relatively dry but CO2-rich. Water content varies from 0.4 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% while carbon dioxide abundance ranges between 1,150 ppm and 3,250 ppm. Most MIs contain >1 wt.% H2O and >2,150 ppm CO2. All observed MIs contain a vapor bubble, so we are evaluating MI vapor bubbles with Raman spectroscopy and re-homogenization experiments to determine the full volatile budget. Because knowledge of volatile solubility is critical to accurately interpret results from MI analyses, we measured H2O-CO2 solubility in the Sunset Crater bulk composition. Fluid-saturated experiments at 4 and 6 kbar indicate shallower entrapment pressures for these MIs than values calculated for this composition using existing models. Assuming fluid saturation, MIs record depths from 6 km to 14 km, including groupings suggesting two pauses for longer-term storage at ~6 km and ~10.5 km. We do not observe any significant differences in MIs from phases exhibiting different eruptive styles, suggesting that while a high CO2 content may drive rapid magma ascent and be partly responsible for highly explosive eruptions, shallower processes may govern the final eruptive character. To track shallow processes during magma ascent from depth of MI-entrapment up to the surface, we are examining MI re-entrants.

Effect of particle size and particle size distribution on physical characteristics, morphology and crystal strucutre of explosively compacted high-Tc superconductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kotsis, I.; Enisz, M.; Oravetz, D.

1994-12-31

A superconductor, of composition Y(Ba,K,Na){sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}/F{sub y} and a composite, of composition Y(Ba,K,Na){sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}/F{sub y}+Ag, with changing K, Na and F content, but a constant silver content (Ag=10 mass per cent) was prepared using a single heat treatment. The resulting material was ground in a corundum lined mill, separated to particle size fractions of 0-40 {mu}m, 0-63 {mu}m and 63-900 {mu}m and explosively compacted, using an explosive pressure of 10{sup 4} MPa and a subsequent heat treatment. Best results were obtained with the 63-900 {mu}m fraction of composition Y(Ba{sub 1,95}K{sub 0,01})Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}F{sub 0,05}/Ag: porosity <0.01more » cm{sup 3}/g and current density 2800 A/cm{sup 2} at 77 K.« less

Thermal Explosion Violence of HMX-Based and RDX-Based Explosives - Effects of Composition, Confinement, and Solid Phase Using the Scaled Thermal Explosion Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maienschein, J L; Wardell, J F

The Scaled Thermal Explosion Experiment (STEX) has been developed to quantify the violence of thermal explosion under well defined and carefully controlled initial and boundary conditions. Here we present results with HMX-based explosives (LX-04 and PBX-9501) and with Composition B. Samples are 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter and 8 inches (200 mm) in length, under confinement of 7,500-30,000 psi (50-200 MPa), with heating rates of 1-3 C/hr. We quantify reaction violence by measuring the wall velocity in the ensuing thermal explosion, and relate the measured velocity to that expected from a detonation. Results with HMX-based explosives (LX-04 and PBX-9501)more » have shown the importance of confinement and HMX solid phase, with reaction violence ranging from mild pressure bursts to near detonations. By contrast, Composition B has shown very violent reactions over a wide range of conditions.« less

Predicting the Effective Elastic Properties of Polymer Bonded Explosives based on Micromechanical Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jingcheng; Luo, Jingrun

2018-04-01

Due to the extremely high particle volume fraction (greater than 85%) and damage feature of polymer bonded explosives (PBXs), conventional micromechanical methods lead to inaccurate estimates on their effective elastic properties. According to their manufacture characteristics, a multistep approach based on micromechanical methods is proposed. PBXs are treated as pseudo poly-crystal materials consisting of equivalent composite particles (explosive crystals with binder coating), rather than two-phase composites composed of explosive particles and binder matrix. Moduli of composite spheres are obtained by generalized self-consistent method first, and the self-consistent method is modified to calculate the effective moduli of PBX. Defects and particle size distribution are considered by Mori-Tanaka method. Results show that when the multistep approach is applied to PBX 9501, estimates are far more accurate than the conventional micromechanical results. The bulk modulus is 5.75% higher, and shear modulus is 5.78% lower than the experimental values. Further analyses discover that while particle volume fraction and the binder's property have significant influences on the effective moduli of PBX, the moduli of particles present minor influences. Investigation of another particle size distribution indicates that the use of more fine particles will enhance the effective moduli of PBX.

Evaluation of active and passive near-millimeter-wave radiometric imaging techniques for detection of concealed objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reber, E. E.; Foote, F. B.; Schellenbaum, R. L.; Bradley, R. G.

1981-07-01

The potential of radiometric imaging technique to detect shielded nuclear materials and explosives carried covertly by personnel was investigated. This method of detecting contraband depends upon the differences in emissivity and reflectivity of the contraband relative to human tissue. Explosives, unlike metals and metal composites, generally have high emissivities and low reflectivities that closely approximate those of human tissue making explosives difficult to detect. Samples of several common types of explosives (TNT, Detasheet, C4, and several types of water gels) were examined at the 1.4- and 3-mm wavelengths using active and passive radiometeric techniques.

Theoretical Investigation of Calculating Temperatures in the Combining Zone of Cu/Fe Composite Plate Jointed by Explosive Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Y. D.; Zhang, W. J.; Kong, X. Q.; Zhao, X.

2016-03-01

The heat-transfer behavior of the interface of Flyer plate (or Base Plate) has great influence on the microcosmic structures, stress distributions, and interface distortion of the welded interface of composite plates by explosive welding. In this paper, the temperature distributions in the combing zone are studied for the case of Cu/Fe composite plate jointed by explosive welding near the lower limit of explosive welding. The results show that Flyer plate (Cu plate) and Base Plate (Fe plate) firstly almost have the same melting rate in the explosive welding process. Then, the melting rate of Cu plate becomes higher than that of Fe plate. Finally, the melt thicknesses of Cu plate and Fe plate trend to be different constants, respectively. Meanwhile, the melting layer of Cu plate is thicker than that of Fe plate. The research could supply some theoretical foundations for calculating the temperature distribution and optimizing the explosive welding parameters of Cu/Fe composite plate to some extent.

Zirconium hydride containing explosive composition

DOEpatents

Walker, Franklin E.; Wasley, Richard J.

1981-01-01

An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a donor additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds which when subjected to an energy fluence of 1000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less is capable of releasing free radicals each having a molecular weight between 1 and 120. Exemplary donor additives are dibasic acids, polyamines and metal hydrides.

Free radical explosive composition

DOEpatents

Walker, Franklin E.; Wasley, Richard J.

1979-01-01

An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a getter additive comprising a compound or mixture of compounds capable of capturing or deactivating free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and which is not an explosive. Exemplary getter additives are isocyanates, olefins and iodine.

Explosive double salts and preparation

DOEpatents

Cady, Howard H.; Lee, Kien-yin

1984-01-01

Applicants have discovered a new composition of matter which is an explosive addition compound of ammonium nitrate (AN) and diethylenetriamine trinitrate (DETN) in a 50:50 molar ratio. The compound is stable over extended periods of time only at temperatures higher than 46.degree. C., decomposing to a fine-grained eutectic mixture (which is also believed to be new) of AN and DETN at temperatures lower than 46.degree. C. The compound of the invention has an x-ray density of 1.61 g/cm.sup.3, explodes to form essentially only gaseous products, has higher detonation properties (i.e., detonation velocity and pressure) than those of any mechanical mixture having the same density and composition as the compound of the invention, is a quite insensitive explosive material, can be cast at temperatures attainable by high pressure steam, and is prepared from inexpensive ingredients. Methods of preparing the compound of the invention and the fine-grained eutectic composition of the invention are given.

Multi-shock experiments on a TATB-based composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorin, Remy

2017-06-01

Temperature based models for condensed explosive need an unreacted equation of state (EOS) that allows a realistic estimation of the temperature for a shock compression driven at detonation velocity. To feed the detonation models, we aim at exploring the high pressure shock Hugoniot of unreacted TATB composition up to 30 GPa with both hydrodynamic and temperature measurements. We performed on the gas gun facility ARES, multi-shock experiments where the first shock is designed to desensitize the explosive and inhibit the reactivity of the composition. The hydrodynamic behavior was measured via the velocity of a TATB/LiF interface with PDV probes. We attempted to measure the temperature of the shocked material via surface emissivity with a pyrometer calibrated to the expected low temperature range. Based on single shock experiments and on ab-initio calculation, we built a complete EOS for the unreacted phase of the TATB explosive. The hydrodynamic data are in good agreement with our unreacted EOS. Despite the record of multi-stage emissivity signals, the temperature measurements were difficult to interpret dur to high-luminisity phenomena pertubation. In collaboration with: Nicolas Desbiens, Vincent Dubois and Fabrice Gillot, CEA DAM DIF.

Some features of the fabrication of multilayer fiber composites by explosive welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kotov, V. A.; Mikhaylov, A. N.; Cabelka, D.

1985-01-01

The fabrication of multilayer fiber composites by explosive welding is characterized by intense plastic deformation of the matrix material as it fills the spaces between fibers and by high velocity of the collision between matrix layers due to acceleration in the channels between fibers. The plastic deformation of the matrix layers and fiber-matrix friction provide mechanical and thermal activation of the contact surfaces, which contributes to the formation of a bond. An important feature of the process is that the fiber-matrix adhesion strength can be varied over a wide range by varying the parameters of impulsive loading.

Preparation and characterization of polyaniline-copper composites by electrical explosion of wire.

PubMed

Liu, Aijie; Bac, Luong Huu; Kim, Jin-Chun; Liu, Lizhu

2012-07-01

Polyaniline-copper composites with a polyacrylic acid (PAA) were synthesized by electrical explosion of wire. Polyaniline (PANI) and PAA were put into the explosion medium, deionized water (DIW) and ethanol, stirred for 24 hrs and sonicated for 2 hrs. These solutions were used as base liquids for explosion process to fabricate Cu nanoparticle. Optical absorption in the UV-visible region of PANI and PANI/PAA-Cu composites was measured in a range of 200-900 nm. X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the phase of the composites. XRD pattern showed the PANI was amorphous and copper was polycrystalline. Two phases of Cu and Cu2O were formed in aqueous solution while single Cu phase was obtained in ethanol solution. Field emission scanning electron microscope was used to observe the microstructure of the composites. The synthesized composites were extensively characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and electrical measurements.

Dye@bio-MOF-1 Composite as a Dual-Emitting Platform for Enhanced Detection of a Wide Range of Explosive Molecules.

PubMed

Wang, Chen; Tian, Li; Zhu, Wei; Wang, Shiqiang; Wang, Peng; Liang, Yun; Zhang, Wanlin; Zhao, Hongwei; Li, Guangtao

2017-06-14

By incorporating a cationic dye within a metal-organic framework (MOF) through an ion-exchange process, a responsive dye@bio-MOF-1 composite has been synthesized, serving as a dual-emitting platform for enhanced detection of different kinds of nitro-explosives, especially nitroalkanes, nitramines, and nitrate esters. The dye@bio-MOF-1 composite was constructed with free amines on their well-defined cavities, which is essential for the capture of explosives into their confined nanospace. It was observed that the encapsulation of explosives into the constructed dye@bio-MOF-1 composite could dramatically alter the luminescent properties of the dyes as well as the MOF skeletons owing to the size exclusivity and confinement-induced effect. For nitroaromatics, the dye@bio-MOF-1 composite exhibits turn-off responses via fluorescence quenching. Unexpectedly, the composite shows unique turn-on responses for aliphatic nitro-organics via confinement-induced enhancement, demonstrating enhanced ability to detecting different kinds of explosives selectively in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the dye@bio-MOF-1 film was facilely fabricated, making the chemical sensing more convenient and easier to realize the discrimination of the targeted explosives. The dual tunable responses indicate that dye@bio-MOF-1 composites are favorable materials for molecular sensing. On the basis of the host-guest properties of the constructed dye@bio-MOF-1 composite, our work can be further extended to sensing specific analytes with remarkable turn-on sensing properties, in particular those difficult to recognize with conventional methods.

Structure, phase content and mechanical properties of aluminium with hard particles after shock-wave compaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkov, S.; Vorozhtsov, S.; Turuntaev, I.

2015-04-01

The possibilities to combine metal and metal oxide powders in various compositions open a broad range of mechanical and thermal behavior. When using in nanostructured components the resulting materials might exhibit even more interesting properties, like product effectiveness, tensile strength, wear resistance, endurance and corrosion resistance. Intermetallics like TiAl could be obtained as TiAlx in a quality similar to that obtained from melting where only eutectic mixture can be produced. Similar effects are possible when compacting nanoceramic powders whereas these can be combined with intermetallics. Currently, it is very difficult to produce wires and special shaped parts from high temperature superconducting materials. The compacting by explosives could solve this problem.The present paper uses explosion compacting of Al nanoparticles to create nanocomposite with increased physico-mechanical properties. Russian civil explosive Uglenit was chosen as high energy material (HEM) for shock-wave compaction. The different schemes and conditions were suggested to run the explosion process. Al nanoparticles as produced by electric wire explosion contain 8-10% of aluminum oxide. That aluminum oxide can serve as strengthening material in the final nanocomposite which may be generated in various compositions by explosive compacting. Further modifications of nanocomposites were obtained when including nanodiamonds into the mixture with aluminum nanoparticles with different percentages. The addition of nanodiamonds results in a substantial strengthening effect. The experiments with compacting aluminum nanoparticles by explosives are described in detail including the process variations and conditions. The physico-mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are determined and discussed by considering the applied conditions. Especially, microstructure and phases of the obtained nanocomposites are analyzed by X-ray diffraction.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Phase Composition of Magnesium-Aluminum Composite Prepared by Explosive Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arisova, V. N.; Trykov, Yu. P.; Slautin, O. V.; Ponomareva, I. A.; Kondakov, A. E.

2015-09-01

Results are given for a study of the effect of heat treatment regimes on the nature of change in micromechanical properties and phase composition of magnesium-aluminum composite material AD1-MA2-1 prepared by explosive welding.

Chemical and Physical Characterization of Comp A-3 Type II Prills

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

the composition and properties of the explosive for implementation into modeling and simulation tools as part of the Multi-scale Response of...emulsion were identified using desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (D-GC- MS) and Fourier transform infrared ( FTIR ) spectroscopy. Quantitative...understanding the microstructure of the pressed explosive and provides critical information for the development of a high fidelity particle-based course-grain

Determination of performance of non-ideal aluminized explosives.

PubMed

Keshavarz, Mohammad Hossein; Mofrad, Reza Teimuri; Poor, Karim Esmail; Shokrollahi, Arash; Zali, Abbas; Yousefi, Mohammad Hassan

2006-09-01

Non-ideal explosives can have Chapman-Jouguet (C-J) detonation pressure significantly different from those expected from existing thermodynamic computer codes, which usually allows finding the parameters of ideal detonation of individual high explosives with good accuracy. A simple method is introduced by which detonation pressure of non-ideal aluminized explosives with general formula C(a)H(b)N(c)O(d)Al(e) can be predicted only from a, b, c, d and e at any loading density without using any assumed detonation products and experimental data. Calculated detonation pressures show good agreement with experimental values with respect to computed results obtained by complicated computer code. It is shown here how loading density and atomic composition can be integrated into an empirical formula for predicting detonation pressure of proposed aluminized explosives.

Infrasound Waveform Inversion and Mass Flux Validation from Sakurajima Volcano, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fee, D.; Kim, K.; Yokoo, A.; Izbekov, P. E.; Lopez, T. M.; Prata, F.; Ahonen, P.; Kazahaya, R.; Nakamichi, H.; Iguchi, M.

2015-12-01

Recent advances in numerical wave propagation modeling and station coverage have permitted robust inversion of infrasound data from volcanic explosions. Complex topography and crater morphology have been shown to substantially affect the infrasound waveform, suggesting that homogeneous acoustic propagation assumptions are invalid. Infrasound waveform inversion provides an exciting tool to accurately characterize emission volume and mass flux from both volcanic and non-volcanic explosions. Mass flux, arguably the most sought-after parameter from a volcanic eruption, can be determined from the volume flux using infrasound waveform inversion if the volcanic flow is well-characterized. Thus far, infrasound-based volume and mass flux estimates have yet to be validated. In February 2015 we deployed six infrasound stations around the explosive Sakurajima Volcano, Japan for 8 days. Here we present our full waveform inversion method and volume and mass flux estimates of numerous high amplitude explosions using a high resolution DEM and 3-D Finite Difference Time Domain modeling. Application of this technique to volcanic eruptions may produce realistic estimates of mass flux and plume height necessary for volcanic hazard mitigation. Several ground-based instruments and methods are used to independently determine the volume, composition, and mass flux of individual volcanic explosions. Specifically, we use ground-based ash sampling, multispectral infrared imagery, UV spectrometry, and multigas data to estimate the plume composition and flux. Unique tiltmeter data from underground tunnels at Sakurajima also provides a way to estimate the volume and mass of each explosion. In this presentation we compare the volume and mass flux estimates derived from the different methods and discuss sources of error and future improvements.

Development of multi-component explosive lenses for arbitrary phase velocity generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loiseau, Jason; Huneault, Justin; Petel, Oren; Goroshin, Sam; Frost, David; Higgins, Andrew; Zhang, Fan

2013-06-01

The combination of explosives with different detonation velocities and lens-like geometric shaping is a well-established technique for producing structured detonation waves. This technique can be extended to produce nearly arbitrary detonation phase velocities for the purposes of sequentially imploding pressurized tubes or driving Mach disks through high-density metalized explosives. The current study presents the experimental development of accelerating, multi-component lenses designed using simple geometric optics and idealized front curvature. The fast explosive component is either Composition C4 (VOD = 8 km/s) or Primasheet 1000 (VOD = 7 km/s), while the slow component varies from heavily amine-diluted nitromethane (amine mass fraction exceeding 20%) to packed metal and glass particle beds wetted with amine-sensitized nitromethane. The applicability of the geometric optic analog to such highly heterogeneous explosives is also investigated. The multi-layered lens technique is further developed as a means of generating a directed mass and momentum flux of metal particles via Mach-disk formation and jetting in circular and oval planar lenses.

Multilevel composition fractionation process for high-value utilization of wheat straw cellulose.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-Zhang; Liu, Zhi-Hua

2014-01-01

Biomass refining into multiple products has gained considerable momentum due to its potential benefits for economic and environmental sustainability. However, the recalcitrance of biomass is a major challenge in bio-based product production. Multilevel composition fractionation processes should be beneficial in overcoming biomass recalcitrance and achieving effective conversion of multiple compositions of biomass. The present study concerns the fractionation of wheat straw using steam explosion, coupled with ethanol extraction, and that this facilitates the establishment of sugars and lignin platform and enables the production of regenerated cellulose films. The results showed that the hemicellulose fractionation yield was 73% under steam explosion at 1.6 MPa for 5.2 minutes, while the lignin fractionation yield was 90% by ethanol extraction at 160°C for 2 hours and with 60% ethanol (v/v). The cellulose yield reached up to 93% after steam explosion coupled with ethanol extraction. Therefore, cellulose sugar, hemicellulose sugar, and lignin platform were established effectively in the present study. Long fibers (retained by a 40-mesh screening) accounted for 90% of the total cellulose fibers, and the glucan conversion of short fibers was 90% at 9.0 hours with a cellulase loading of 25 filter paper units/g cellulose in enzymatic hydrolysis. Regenerated cellulose film was prepared from long fibers using [bmim]Cl, and the tensile strength and breaking elongation was 120 MPa and 4.8%, respectively. The cross-section of regenerated cellulose film prepared by [bmim]Cl displayed homogeneous structure, which indicated a dense architecture and a better mechanical performance. Multilevel composition fractionation process using steam explosion followed by ethanol extraction was shown to be an effective process by which wheat straw could be fractionated into different polymeric fractions with high yields. High-value utilization of wheat straw cellulose was achieved by preparing regenerated cellulose film using [bmim]Cl.

Investigation of the Microstructural, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Grade A Ship Steel-Duplex Stainless Steel Composites Produced via Explosive Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaya, Yakup; Kahraman, Nizamettin; Durgutlu, Ahmet; Gülenç, Behçet

2017-08-01

Grade A ship-building steel-AISI 2304 duplex stainless steel composite plates were manufactured via explosive welding. The AISI 2304 plates were used to clad the Grade A plates. Optical microscopy studies were conducted on the joining interface for characterization of the manufactured composite plates. Notch impact, tensile-shear, microhardness, bending and twisting tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the composites. In addition, the surfaces of fractured samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and neutral salt spray (NSS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed to examine corrosion behavior. Near the explosion zone, the interface was completely flat, but became wavy as the distance from the explosion zone increased. The notch impact tests indicated that the impact strength of the composites decreased with increasing distance from the explosion zone. The SEM studies detected brittle behavior below the impact transition temperature and ductile behavior above this temperature. Microhardness tests revealed that the hardness values increased with increasing distance from the explosion zone and mechanical tests showed that no visible cracking or separation had occurred on the joining interface. The NSS and potentiodynamic polarization tests determined that the AISI 2304 exhibited higher corrosion resistance than the Grade A steel.

Effect of Velocity of Detonation of Explosives on Seismic Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroujkova, A. F.; Leidig, M.; Bonner, J. L.

2014-12-01

We studied seismic body wave generation from four fully contained explosions of approximately the same yields (68 kg of TNT equivalent) conducted in anisotropic granite in Barre, VT. The explosions were detonated using three types of explosives with different velocities of detonation (VOD): Black Powder (BP), Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil/Emulsion (ANFO), and Composition B (COMP B). The main objective of the experiment was to study differences in seismic wave generation among different types of explosives, and to determine the mechanism responsible for these differences. The explosives with slow burn rate (BP) produced lower P-wave amplitude and lower corner frequency, which resulted in lower seismic efficiency (0.35%) in comparison with high burn rate explosives (2.2% for ANFO and 3% for COMP B). The seismic efficiency estimates for ANFO and COMP B agree with previous studies for nuclear explosions in granite. The body wave radiation pattern is consistent with an isotropic explosion with an added azimuthal component caused by vertical tensile fractures oriented along pre-existing micro-fracturing in the granite, although the complexities in the P- and S-wave radiation patterns suggest that more than one fracture orientation could be responsible for their generation. High S/P amplitude ratios and low P-wave amplitudes suggest that a significant fraction of the BP source mechanism can be explained by opening of the tensile fractures as a result of the slow energy release.

Formation of Load Parameters of Destroyed Massife in Explosion of Multicharge Composition with Separation of its Parts by Profile Inert Interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paramonov, G. P.; Mysin, A. V.; Babkin, R. S.

2017-10-01

The paper introduces construction of multicharge composition with separation of parts by the profile inert interval. On the basis of the previous researches, the pulse-forming process at explosion of the borehole multicharge taking into account the offered design is considered. The physical model for definition of reflected wavelet taking into account an increment of radius of cross section of a charging cavity and the expiration of detonation products is offered. A technique is developed for numerical modeling of gas-dynamic processes in a borehole with a change in the axial channel of a profile inert interval caused by a high-temperature flow of gaseous products of an explosion. The authors obtained the dependence of the change in mean pressure on the borehole wall on time for each of the parts of the multicharge. To blast a series of charges of the proposed design, taking into account optimization of the stress fields of neighboring charges, the delay interval is determined for a short-delayed explosion.

Integrated rheology model: Explosive Composition B-3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davis, Stephen M.; Zerkle, David K.; Smilowitz, Laura B.

Composition B-3 (Comp B-3) is a high explosive formulation composed of 60/40wt% RDX (1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine) /TNT (2,4,6 trinitrotoluene). Above approximately 78°C this formulation partially melts to form a multiphase system with solid RDX particles in a molten TNT matrix. This multiphase system presents a number of phenomena that influence its apparent viscosity. In an earlier study explosive Composition B-3 (Comp B-3, 60/40wt% RDX/TNT) was examined for evidence of yield stress using a non-isothermal falling ball viscometer and a yield stress model was proposed in this paper. An integrated viscosity model suitable for use in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is developedmore » to capture the transition from a heterogeneous solid to a Bingham viscoplastic fluid. This viscosity model is used to simulate the motion of imbedded spheres falling through molten Comp B-3. Finally, comparison of the simulations to physical tests show agreement between the positions predicted by the model and the measured locations of the spheres as a function of temperature between 90C and 165C.« less

Integrated rheology model: Explosive Composition B-3

DOE PAGES

Davis, Stephen M.; Zerkle, David K.; Smilowitz, Laura B.; ...

2018-03-20

Composition B-3 (Comp B-3) is a high explosive formulation composed of 60/40wt% RDX (1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine) /TNT (2,4,6 trinitrotoluene). Above approximately 78°C this formulation partially melts to form a multiphase system with solid RDX particles in a molten TNT matrix. This multiphase system presents a number of phenomena that influence its apparent viscosity. In an earlier study explosive Composition B-3 (Comp B-3, 60/40wt% RDX/TNT) was examined for evidence of yield stress using a non-isothermal falling ball viscometer and a yield stress model was proposed in this paper. An integrated viscosity model suitable for use in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is developedmore » to capture the transition from a heterogeneous solid to a Bingham viscoplastic fluid. This viscosity model is used to simulate the motion of imbedded spheres falling through molten Comp B-3. Finally, comparison of the simulations to physical tests show agreement between the positions predicted by the model and the measured locations of the spheres as a function of temperature between 90C and 165C.« less

Study on the Structures of Two Booster Pellets Having High Initiation Capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shuang-Qi, Hu; Hong-Rong, Liu; Li-shuang, Hu; Xiong, Cao; Xiang-Chao, Mi; Hai-Xia, Zhao

2014-05-01

Insensitive munitions (IM) improve the survivability of both weapons and their associated platforms, which can lead to a reduction in casualties, mission losses, and whole life costs. All weapon systems contain an explosive train that needs to meet IM criteria but reliably initiate a main charge explosive. To ensure that these diametrically opposed requirements can be achieved, new highly effective booster charge structures were designed. The initiation capacity of the two booster pellets was studied using varied composition and axial-steel-dent methods. The results showed that the two new booster pellets can initiate standard main charge pellets with less explosive mass than the ordinary cylindrical booster pellet. The numerical simulation results were in good agreement with the experiment results.

Common Occurrence of Explosive Hydrogen Burning in Type II Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Nan; Stephan, Thomas; Boehnke, Patrick; Nittler, Larry R.; Meyer, Bradley S.; O’D. Alexander, Conel M.; Davis, Andrew M.; Trappitsch, Reto; Pellin, Michael J.

2018-03-01

We report Mo isotopic data for 16 15N-rich presolar SiC grains of type AB (14N/15N < solar, AB1) and their correlated Sr and Ba isotope ratios when available. Of the 16 AB1 grains, 8 show s-process Mo isotopic compositions, together with s-process Ba and/or Sr isotopic compositions. We found that a higher percentage of AB1 grains show anomalous isotopic compositions than that of AB2 grains (14N/15N > solar), thus providing further support to the division of the two AB subgroups recently proposed by Liu et al., who showed that AB1 grains most likely originated from Type II supernovae (SNe) with explosive H burning. Comparison of the Sr, Mo, and Ba isotopic compositions of the AB1 grains with SN model predictions indicates that the s-process isotopic compositions of AB1 grains resulted from neutron-capture processes occurring during the progenitor massive stars’ pre-SN evolution rather than from an explosive neutron-capture process. In addition, the observations of (1) explosive H burning occurring in the C-rich regions of the progenitor SNe of X grains as suggested by the isotopic compositions of X grains, and (2) explosive H burning occurring both at the bottom of the He/C zone and at the top of the He/N zone as suggested by model simulations, imply that explosive H burning is a common phenomenon in outer SN zones.

Common Occurrence of Explosive Hydrogen Burning in Type II Supernovae

DOE PAGES

Liu, Nan; Stephan, Thomas; Boehnke, Patrick; ...

2018-03-16

In this paper, we report Mo isotopic data for 16 15N-rich presolar SiC grains of type AB ( 14N/ 15N < solar, AB1) and their correlated Sr and Ba isotope ratios when available. Of the 16 AB1 grains, 8 show s-process Mo isotopic compositions, together with s-process Ba and/or Sr isotopic compositions. We found that a higher percentage of AB1 grains show anomalous isotopic compositions than that of AB2 grains ( 14N/ 15N > solar), thus providing further support to the division of the two AB subgroups recently proposed by Liu et al., who showed that AB1 grains most likelymore » originated from Type II supernovae (SNe) with explosive H burning. Comparison of the Sr, Mo, and Ba isotopic compositions of the AB1 grains with SN model predictions indicates that the s-process isotopic compositions of AB1 grains resulted from neutron-capture processes occurring during the progenitor massive stars' pre-SN evolution rather than from an explosive neutron-capture process. Finally, in addition, the observations of (1) explosive H burning occurring in the C-rich regions of the progenitor SNe of X grains as suggested by the isotopic compositions of X grains, and (2) explosive H burning occurring both at the bottom of the He/C zone and at the top of the He/N zone as suggested by model simulations, imply that explosive H burning is a common phenomenon in outer SN zones.« less

Common Occurrence of Explosive Hydrogen Burning in Type II Supernovae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Nan; Stephan, Thomas; Boehnke, Patrick

In this paper, we report Mo isotopic data for 16 15N-rich presolar SiC grains of type AB ( 14N/ 15N < solar, AB1) and their correlated Sr and Ba isotope ratios when available. Of the 16 AB1 grains, 8 show s-process Mo isotopic compositions, together with s-process Ba and/or Sr isotopic compositions. We found that a higher percentage of AB1 grains show anomalous isotopic compositions than that of AB2 grains ( 14N/ 15N > solar), thus providing further support to the division of the two AB subgroups recently proposed by Liu et al., who showed that AB1 grains most likelymore » originated from Type II supernovae (SNe) with explosive H burning. Comparison of the Sr, Mo, and Ba isotopic compositions of the AB1 grains with SN model predictions indicates that the s-process isotopic compositions of AB1 grains resulted from neutron-capture processes occurring during the progenitor massive stars' pre-SN evolution rather than from an explosive neutron-capture process. Finally, in addition, the observations of (1) explosive H burning occurring in the C-rich regions of the progenitor SNe of X grains as suggested by the isotopic compositions of X grains, and (2) explosive H burning occurring both at the bottom of the He/C zone and at the top of the He/N zone as suggested by model simulations, imply that explosive H burning is a common phenomenon in outer SN zones.« less

An Improved Shock Model for Bare and Covered Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholtes, Gert; Bouma, Richard

2017-06-01

TNO developed a toolbox to estimate the probability of a violent event on a ship or other platform, when the munition bunker is hit by e.g. a bullet or fragment from a missile attack. To obtain the proper statistical output, several millions of calculations are needed to obtain a reliable estimate. Because millions of different scenarios have to be calculated, hydrocode calculations cannot be used for this type of application, but a fast and good engineering solutions is needed. At this moment the Haskins and Cook-model is used for this purpose. To obtain a better estimate for covered explosives and munitions, TNO has developed a new model which is a combination of the shock wave model at high pressure, as described by Haskins and Cook, in combination with the expanding shock wave model of Green. This combined model gives a better fit with the experimental values for explosives response calculations, using the same critical energy fluence values for covered as well as for bare explosives. In this paper the theory is explained and results of the calculations for several bare and covered explosives will be presented. To show this, the results will be compared with the experimental values from literature for composition B, Composition B-3 and PBX-9404.

Energetic lanthanide complexes: coordination chemistry and explosives applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manner, V. W.; Barker, B. J.; Sanders, V. E.; Laintz, K. E.; Scott, B. L.; Preston, D. N.; Sandstrom, M.; Reardon, B. L.

2014-05-01

Metals are generally added to organic molecular explosives in a heterogeneous composite to improve overall heat and energy release. In order to avoid creating a mixture that can vary in homogeneity, energetic organic molecules can be directly bonded to high molecular weight metals, forming a single metal complex with Angstrom-scale separation between the metal and the explosive. To probe the relationship between the structural properties of metal complexes and explosive performance, a new series of energetic lanthanide complexes has been prepared using energetic ligands such as NTO (5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazole-3-one). These are the first examples of lanthanide NTO complexes where no water is coordinated to the metal, demonstrating novel control of the coordination environment. The complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR and IR spectroscopies, photoluminescence, and sensitivity testing. The structural and energetic properties are discussed in the context of enhanced blast effects and detection. Cheetah calculations have been performed to fine-tune physical properties, creating a systematic method for producing explosives with 'tailor made' characteristics. These new complexes will be benchmarks for further study in the field of metalized high explosives.

Energetic Lanthanide Complexes: Coordination Chemistry and Explosives Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manner, Virginia; Barker, Beau; Sanders, Eric; Laintz, Kenneth; Scott, Brian; Preston, Daniel; Sandstrom, Mary; Reardon, Bettina

2013-06-01

Metals are generally added to organic molecular explosives in a heterogeneous composite to improve overall heat and energy release. In order to avoid creating a mixture that can vary in homogeneity, energetic organic molecules can be directly bonded to high molecular weight metals, forming a single metal complex with Angstrom-scale separation between the metal and the explosive. To probe the relationship between the structural properties of metal complexes and explosive performance, a new series of energetic lanthanide complexes has been prepared using energetic ligands such as NTO (5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazole-3-one). These are the first examples of lanthanide NTO complexes where no water is coordinated to the metal, demonstrating novel control of the coordination environment. The complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR and IR spectroscopies, photoluminescence, and sensitivity testing. The structural and energetic properties are discussed in the context of enhanced blast effects and detection. Cheetah calculations have been performed to fine-tune physical properties, creating a systematic method for producing explosives with ``tailor made'' characteristics. These new complexes will be benchmarks for further study in the field of metalized high explosives.

[Effect of high impact movements on body composition, strength and bone mineral density on women over 60 years].

PubMed

Ramírez-Villada, Jhon F; León-Ariza, Henry H; Argüello-Gutiérrez, Yenny P; Porras-Ramírez, Keyla A

2016-01-01

Osteoporosis is characterised by loss of bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue microarchitecture that leads to fragility related to the risk of fractures. The aim of the study is to analyse the effects of a training program based on explosive movements and impact, assessed in a swimming pool, on body composition, explosive strength and bone mineral density in women over 60 years old. A total of 35 healthy physically active women (60±4.19 years) were divided into a training pool group using multi jumps (JG) and a control group (CG). JG trained for 24 weeks, 3 times a week, an hour and a half per session. Body composition testing, explosive strength, and bone mineral density were assessed before and after the program. There were differences in the explosive force (JG vs CG=P<.05 to .001) and the estimated power (JG vs CG=P<.05 to .002) between JG vs CG, with significant increases in JG. There were no significant differences in the percentage of fat and lean mass, bone mineral density lumbar and femoral between groups, although slightly significant increases in bone mineral density lumbar and femoral could be seen in JG after program implementation (JG pre-test vs JG post- test=P<.05). The training program with impact and explosive movements assessed in a pool induces gains in muscle strength and power with slight adaptations in body mass index in women over 60 years. Copyright © 2015 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Simulation of Impact Phenomena on the Composite Structures Containing Ceramic Plates and High Entropy Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geantă, V.; Cherecheș, T.; Lixandru, P.; Voiculescu, I.; Ștefănoiu, R.; Dragnea, D.; Zecheru, T.; Matache, L.

2017-06-01

Due to excellent mechanical properties, high entropy alloys from the system AlxCrFeCoNi can be used successfully to create composite structures containing both metallic and ceramic plates, which resists at dynamic load during high speeds impact (like projectiles, explosion). The paper presents four different composite structures made from a combination of metallic materials and ceramics plates: duralumin-ceramics, duralumin-ceramics-HEA, HEA-ceramics-HEA, HEA-ceramics-duralumin. Numerical simulation of impact behavior of the composite structures was performed by virtual methods, taking into account the mechanical properties of both materials. The best results were obtained using composite structures HEA-ceramics-HEA, HEA-ceramics-duralumin.

The Gaseous Explosive Reaction : A Study of the Kinetics of Composite Fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, F W

1929-01-01

This report deals with the results of a series of studies of the kinetics of gaseous explosive reactions where the fuel under observation, instead of being a simple gas, is a known mixture of simple gases. In the practical application of the gaseous explosive reaction as a source of power in the gas engine, the fuels employed are composite, with characteristics that are apt to be due to the characteristics of their components and hence may be somewhat complex. The simplest problem that could be proposed in an investigation either of the thermodynamics or kinetics of the gaseous explosive reaction of a composite fuel would seem to be a separate study of the reaction characteristics of each component of the fuel and then a study of the reaction characteristics of the various known mixtures of those components forming composite fuels more and more complex. (author)

Strength of the phase change materials on loading with the products of electric explosion of conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savenkov, Georgiy; Morozov, Viktor; Kats, Victor

2018-05-01

Results of the experimentation on the destruction of the phase change materials (beeswax and paraffin) by the electric explosion of conductors are presented. The process of the explosion of copper and nickel titanium wires in both pure PCM and its mixture with nonosized additives of cuprous oxide is analyzed. The effect of this additive on the process of the expansion of the electric-discharge plasma during the electric explosion of conductors and on the strength of composite materials is demonstrated. The piezoprobe-based method of measurement of the radial pressure during samples destruction is developed. The experiments made it possible to determine the dimensions of the melting channel formed inside the samples during the explosion and the subsequent expansion of the electric-discharge plasma. The experiments are performed on the generator of short-term high-voltage pulses capable to shape the voltage of (10-24) kV.

Changes in Blow-Off Velocity Observed in Two Explosives at the Threshold for Sustained Ignition Using the Modified Gap Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, R. J.; Forbes, J. W.; Tasker, D. G.; Orme, R. S.

2009-12-01

The Modified Gap Test was used to quantify different levels of partial reaction for various input stresses. This test configuration has been historically useful in highlighting thresholds for first reaction, sustained ignition, and detonation. Two different HMX based compositions were studied; a cast-cured composition with 87% HMX and a pressed composition with 92% HMX. Each explosive was prepared from large industrially produced batches consisting of different unreactive polymeric binder systems. Short samples (50.8 mm in diameter and 12.7 mm thick) were shock loaded using the standard large-scale gap test donor system. Product-cloud blow-off velocities at the opposite end of the sample were measured using a high-speed digital-camera. Velocity versus input pres sure plots provided changes in reactivity that had developed by the 12.7 mm run distance. Results appear consistent for the lower input stresses. In contrast, the results varied widely in a range of input stresses around the transition to detonation in both explosives. These results indicate that both explosives are subject to large variation in blow-off velocity in a range of input stresses near the threshold for prompt detonation. This is explained by localized variations of HMX particle size and density in industrially prepared samples. Approved for public release, Distribution unlimited, IHDIV Log No. 09-108.

Comparative studies on structures, mechanical properties, sensitivity, stabilities and detonation performance of CL-20/TNT cocrystal and composite explosives by molecular dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Hang, Gui-Yun; Yu, Wen-Li; Wang, Tao; Wang, Jin-Tao; Li, Zhen

2017-09-19

To investigate and compare the differences of structures and properties of CL-20/TNT cocrystal and composite explosives, the CL-20/TNT cocrystal and composite models were established. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the structures, mechanical properties, sensitivity, stabilities and detonation performance of cocrystal and composite models with COMPASS force field in NPT ensemble. The lattice parameters, mechanical properties, binding energies, interaction energy of trigger bond, cohesive energy density and detonation parameters were determined and compared. The results show that, compared with pure CL-20, the rigidity and stiffness of cocrystal and composite models decreased, while plastic properties and ductility increased, so mechanical properties can be effectively improved by adding TNT into CL-20 and the cocrystal model has better mechanical properties. The interaction energy of the trigger bond and the cohesive energy density is in the order of CL-20/TNT cocrystal > CL-20/TNT composite > pure CL-20, i.e., cocrystal model is less sensitive than CL-20 and the composite model, and has the best safety parameters. Binding energies show that the cocrystal model has higher intermolecular interaction energy values than the composite model, thus illustrating the better stability of the cocrystal model. Detonation parameters vary as CL-20 > cocrystal > composite, namely, the energy density and power of cocrystal and composite model are weakened; however, the CL-20/TNT cocrystal explosive still has desirable energy density and detonation performance. This results presented in this paper help offer some helpful guidance to better understand the mechanism of CL-20/TNT cocrystal explosives and provide some theoretical assistance for cocrystal explosive design.

The role of electro-explosion alloying with titanium diboride and treatment with pulsed electron beam in the surface modification of VT6 alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Konovalov, Sergey, E-mail: konovserg@gmail.com; Gromov, Victor, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru; Kobzareva, Tatyana

The paper presents the results of the investigation of VT6 titanium alloy subjected to electro-explosion alloying with TiB{sub 2} and irradiation with pulsed electron beam. It was established that electro-explosion alloying resulted in a high level of roughness of the surface layer with high adhesion of the modified layer and matrix. Further irradiation of the material with electron beam resulted in the smoothing of the surface of alloying and formation of a porous structure with various scale levels in the surface layer. It was also established that the energetic exposure causes the formation of a gradient structure with a changingmore » elemental composition along the direction from the surface of alloying.« less

Influence of Dense Inert Additives (W and Pb) on Detonation Conditions and Regime of Condensed Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imkhovik, Nikolay A.

2010-10-01

Results of experimental and theoretical studies of the unusual detonation properties of mixtures of high explosives (HEs) with high-density inert additives W and Pb were analyzed and systematized. Typical examples of the nonideal detonation of composite explosives for which the measured detonation pressure is substantially lower and the detonation velocity is higher than the values calculated within the framework of the hydrodynamic model, with the specific heat ratio for the detonation products of ∼6-8, are presented. Mechanisms of formation of anomalous pressure and mass velocity profiles, which explain the correlation between the Chapman-Jouguet pressure for HE-W and HE-Pb mixtures, the velocity of the free surface of duralumin target, and the depth of the dent imprinted in steel witness plates, are described.

Experimental Study of Structure/Behavior Relationship for a Metallized Explosive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bukovsky, Eric; Reeves, Robert; Gash, Alexander; Glumac, Nick

2017-06-01

Metal powders are commonly added to explosive formulations to modify the blast behavior. Although detonation velocity is typically reduced compared to the neat explosive, the metal provides other benefits. Aluminum is a common additive to increase the overall energy output and high-density metals can be useful for enhancing momentum transfer to a target. Typically, metal powder is homogeneously distributed throughout the material; in this study, controlled distributions of metal powder in explosive formulations were investigated. The powder structures were printed using powder bed printing and the porous structures were filled with explosives to create bulk explosive composites. In all cases, the overall ratio between metal and explosive was maintained, but the powder distribution was varied. Samples utilizing uniform distributions to represent typical materials, discrete pockets of metal powder, and controlled, graded powder distributions were created. Detonation experiments were performed to evaluate the influence of metal powder design on the output pressure/time and the overall impulse. This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Defence Capability Plan 2009 (Australian Department of Defence). Public Version

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-24

workings or Intellectual Property . > Armoured vehicles. This capability relates to the repair, maintenance and some upgrades of specialist military...cryptographic equipment. > Composite and exotic materials. This is the ability to repair specialist alloys and composite materials, to develop new...manufacture of some high usage munitions, ammunition components, propellants and explosives. > Signature management. Includes the capabilities and coatings

The application of single particle aerosol mass spectrometry for the detection and identification of high explosives and chemical warfare agents

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martin, Audrey Noreen

2006-01-01

Single Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (SPAMS) was evaluated as a real-time detection technique for single particles of high explosives. Dual-polarity time-of-flight mass spectra were obtained for samples of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX), and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN); peaks indicative of each compound were identified. Composite explosives, Comp B, Semtex 1A, and Semtex 1H were also analyzed, and peaks due to the explosive components of each sample were present in each spectrum. Mass spectral variability with laser fluence is discussed. The ability of the SPAMS system to identify explosive components in a single complex explosive particle (~1 pg) without the need formore » consumables is demonstrated. SPAMS was also applied to the detection of Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) simulants in the liquid and vapor phases. Liquid simulants for sarin, cyclosarin, tabun, and VX were analyzed; peaks indicative of each simulant were identified. Vapor phase CWA simulants were adsorbed onto alumina, silica, Zeolite, activated carbon, and metal powders which were directly analyzed using SPAMS. The use of metal powders as adsorbent materials was especially useful in the analysis of triethyl phosphate (TEP), a VX stimulant, which was undetectable using SPAMS in the liquid phase. The capability of SPAMS to detect high explosives and CWA simulants using one set of operational conditions is established.« less

Special Features of Structure Formation in an Explosion-Welded Magnesium-Aluminum Composite Under Deformation and Subsequent Heat Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurevich, L. M.; Arisova, V. N.; Trykov, Yu. P.; Ponomareva, I. A.; Trudov, A. F.

2016-07-01

The effect of bending deformation and subsequent heat treatment on the variation of microhardness and structure of explosion-welded magnesium-aluminum layered composite material MA2-1 - AD1 is studied.

Numerical simulation of Composition B high explosive charge desensitization in gap test assembly after loading by precursor wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balagansky, I. A.; Stepanov, A. A.

2016-03-01

Results of numerical research into the desensitization of high explosive charges in water gap test-based experimental assemblies are presented. The experimental data are discussed, and the analysis using ANSYS AUTODYN 14.5 is provided. The desensitization phenomenon is well reproduced in numerical simulation using the JWL EOS and the Lee-Tarver kinetic equation for modeling of the initiation of heterogeneous high explosives with as well as without shock front waves. The analysis of the wave processes occurring during the initiation of the acceptor HE charge has been carried out. Peculiarities of the wave processes in the water gap test assemblies, which can influence the results of sensitivity measurement, have been studied. In particular, it has been established that precursor waves in the walls of the gap test assemblies can influence the detonation transmission distance.

Direct real-time detection of vapors from explosive compounds.

PubMed

Ewing, Robert G; Clowers, Brian H; Atkinson, David A

2013-11-19

The real-time detection of vapors from low volatility explosives including PETN, tetryl, RDX, and nitroglycerine along with various compositions containing these substances was demonstrated. This was accomplished with an atmospheric flow tube (AFT) using a nonradioactive ionization source coupled to a mass spectrometer. Direct vapor detection was accomplished in less than 5 s at ambient temperature without sample preconcentration. The several seconds of residence time of analytes in the AFT provided a significant opportunity for reactant ions to interact with analyte vapors to achieve ionization. This extended reaction time, combined with the selective ionization using the nitrate reactant ions (NO3(-) and NO3(-)·HNO3), enabled highly sensitive explosives detection from explosive vapors present in ambient laboratory air. Observed signals from diluted explosive vapors indicated detection limits below 10 ppqv using selected ion monitoring (SIM) of the explosive-nitrate adduct at m/z 349, 378, 284, and 289 for tetryl, PETN, RDX, and NG, respectively. Also provided is a demonstration of the vapor detection from 10 different energetic formulations sampled in ambient laboratory air, including double base propellants, plastic explosives, and commercial blasting explosives using SIM for the NG, PETN, and RDX product ions.

Donor free radical explosive composition

DOEpatents

Walker, Franklin E. [15 Way Points Rd., Danville, CA 94526; Wasley, Richard J. [4290 Colgate Way, Livermore, CA 94550

1980-04-01

An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a donor additive comprising an organic compound or mixture of organic compounds capable of releasing low molecular weight free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and which is not an explosive, or an inorganic compound or mixture of inorganic compounds capable of releasing low molecular weight free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and selected from ammonium or alkali metal persulfates.

Experimental Study on Reaction Characteristics of PTFE/Ti/W Energetic Materials under Explosive Loading

PubMed Central

Li, Yan; Jiang, Chunlan; Wang, Zaicheng; Luo, Puguang

2016-01-01

Metal/fluoropolymer composites represent a new category of energetic structural materials that release energy through exothermic chemical reactions initiated under shock loading conditions. This paper describes an experiment designed to study the reaction characteristics of energetic materials with low porosity under explosive loading. Three PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)/Ti/W mixtures with different W contents are processed through pressing and sintering. An inert PTFE/W mixture without reactive Ti particles is also prepared to serve as a reference. Shock-induced chemical reactions are recorded by high-speed video through a narrow observation window. Related shock parameters are calculated based on experimental data, and differences in energy release are discussed. The results show that the reaction propagation of PTFE/Ti/W energetic materials with low porosity under explosive loading is not self-sustained. As propagation distance increases, the energy release gradually decreases. In addition, reaction failure distance in PTFE/Ti/W composites is inversely proportional to the W content. Porosity increased the failure distance due to higher shock temperature. PMID:28774056

Structural transformations and properties of titanium-aluminum composite during heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pervukhin, L. B.; Kryukov, D. B.; Krivenkov, A. O.; Chugunov, S. N.

2017-08-01

The link between the parameters of heat treatment of a layered titanium-aluminum composite material obtained by explosive welding with the formation of intermetallic compounds in it has been analyzed. The results of measurements of the microhardness of the composite and the thickness of the interlayer of the intermetallic phase obtained using different regimes of heat treatment have been discussed. Special attention has been paid to estimating the composition of the intermetallic phase in the composite prepared by explosive welding.

Multispectral Observations of Explosive Gas Emissions from Santiaguito, Guatemala

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carn, S. A.; Watson, M.; Thomas, H.; Rodriguez, L. A.; Campion, R.; Prata, F. J.

2016-12-01

Santiaguito volcano, Guatemala, has been persistently active for decades, producing frequent explosions from its actively growing lava dome. Repeated release of volcanic gases contains information about conduit processes during the cyclical explosions at Santiaguito, but the composition of the gas phase and the amount of volatiles released in each explosion remains poorly constrained. In addition to its persistent activity, Santiaguito offers an exceptional opportunity to investigate lava dome degassing processes since the upper surface of the active lava dome can be viewed from the summit of neighboring Santa Maria. In January 2016 we conducted multi-spectral observations of Santiaguito's explosive eruption plumes and passive degassing from multiple perspectives as part of the first NSF-sponsored `Workshop on Volcanoes' instrument deployment. Gas measurements included open-path Fourier-Transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy from the Santa Maria summit, coincident with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) camera and UV Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) from the El Mirador site below Santiaguito's active Caliente lava dome. Using the OP-FTIR in passive mode with the Caliente lava dome as the source of IR radiation, we were able to collect IR spectra at high temporal resolution prior to and during two explosions of Santiaguito on 7-8 January, with volcanic SO2 and H2O emissions detected. UV and IR camera data provide constraints on the total SO2 burden in the emissions (and potentially the volcanic ash burden), which coupled with the FTIR gas ratios provides new constraints on the mass and composition of volatiles driving explosions at Santiaguito. All gas measurements indicate significant volatile release during explosions with limited degassing during repose periods. In this presentation we will present ongoing analysis of the unique Santiaguito gas dataset including estimation of the total volatile mass released in explosions and an intercomparison of SO2 amounts recorded by the UV and IR instruments.

Steam explosion and its combinatorial pretreatment refining technology of plant biomass to bio-based products.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-Zhang; Liu, Zhi-Hua

2015-06-01

Pretreatment is a key unit operation affecting the refinery efficiency of plant biomass. However, the poor efficiency of pretreatment and the lack of basic theory are the main challenges to the industrial implementation of the plant biomass refinery. The purpose of this work is to review steam explosion and its combinatorial pretreatment as a means of overcoming the intrinsic characteristics of plant biomass, including recalcitrance, heterogeneity, multi-composition, and diversity. The main advantages of the selective use of steam explosion and other combinatorial pretreatments across the diversity of raw materials are introduced. Combinatorial pretreatment integrated with other unit operations is proposed as a means to exploit the high-efficiency production of bio-based products from plant biomass. Finally, several pilot- and demonstration-scale operations of the plant biomass refinery are described. Based on the principle of selective function and structure fractionation, and multi-level and directional composition conversion, an integrated process with the combinatorial pretreatments of steam explosion and other pretreatments as the core should be feasible and conform to the plant biomass refinery concept. Combinatorial pretreatments of steam explosion and other pretreatments should be further exploited based on the type and intrinsic characteristics of the plant biomass used, the bio-based products to be made, and the complementarity of the processes. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Accelerator-Detector Complex for Photonuclear Detection of Hidden Explosives Final Report CRADA No. TC2065.0

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lowdermilk, W. H.; Brothers, L. J.

This was a collaborative effort by Lawrence Livermore National Security (formerly the University of California)/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc., and the following Russian Institutes: P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI), Innovative Technologies Center.(AUO CIT), Central Design Bureau-Almas (CDB Almaz), Moscow Instrument Automation Research Institute, and Institute for High Energy Physics (IBEP) to develop equipment and procedures for detecting explosive materials concealed in airline checked baggage and cargo.

Features of the incorporation of single and double based powders within emulsion explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, J. B.; Mendes, R.; Tavares, B.; Louro, C.

2014-05-01

In this work, features of the thermal and detonation behaviour of compositions resulting from the mixture of single and double based powders within ammonium nitrate based emulsion explosives are shown. Those features are portrayed through results of thermodynamic-equilibrium calculations of the detonation velocity, the chemical compatibility assessment through differential thermal analysis [DTA] and thermo gravimetric analysis [TGA], the experimental determination of the detonation velocity and a comparative evaluation of the shock sensitivity using a modified version of the "gap-test". DTA/TGA results for the compositions and for the individual components overlap until the beginning of the thermal decomposition which is an indication of the absence of formation of any new chemical species and so of the compatibility of the components of the compositions. After the beginning of the thermal decomposition it can be seen that the rate of mass loss is much higher for the compositions with powder than for the one with sole emulsion explosive. Both, theoretical and experimental, values of the detonation velocity have been shown to be higher for the powdered compositions than for the sole emulsion explosive. Shock sensitivity assessments have ended-up with a slightly bigger sensitivity for the compositions with double based powder when compared to the single based compositions or to the sole emulsion.

Features of the Valorization of Single and Double Based Powders for Codetonation in Emulsion Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Jose; Mendes, Ricardo; Tavares, Bruno; Louro, Cristina

2013-06-01

In this work, features of the thermal and detonation behavior of compositions resulting from the mixture of single and double based gun powder within ammonium nitrate (AN) based emulsion explosives are shown. That includes results of thermodynamic-equilibrium calculations of the detonation velocity, the chemical compatibility assessment through differential scanning calorimetry [DSC] and thermo gravimetric analysis [TGA], the experimental determination of the detonation velocity and a comparative evaluation of the shock sensitivity using a modified version of the ``gap-test''. DSC/TGA results for the compositions and for the individual components overlap until the beginning of the thermal decomposition which is an indication of the absence of formation of any new chemical specimens and so of the capability of the composition components. After the beginning of the thermal decomposition it can be seen that the rate of mass loss is much higher for the compositions with gun powder than for the sole emulsion explosive. Both, theoretical and experimental, values of the detonation velocity have shown to be higher for the powdered compositions than for the pure emulsion explosive. Shock sensitivity assessment have ended-up with a slightly bigger sensitivity for the compositions with double based gun powder when compared to the single based compositions or to the pure emulsion.

Sub-fragmentation of structural-reactive-material casings under explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan

2015-06-01

The sub-fragmentation of structural reactive material (SRM) thick-casings is to generate fine fragments during casing fragmentation under explosive loading for their efficient energy release to enhance air blast. This has been investigated using a cylindrical casing made from either rich Al-MoO3 or Al-W-based granular composites. The former composite was to study the concept of reactive hot spots where the reaction of reactive particles, which were distributed into base SRM in a fuel-rich equivalence ratio, created heat and gas products during SRM fragmentation. The expansion of these distributed hot spots initiated local fractures of the casing, leading to fine fragments. The Al-W-based composite investigated the concept of impedance mismatch, where shock dynamics at the interfaces of different impedance ingredients resulted in non-uniform, high local temperatures and stresses and late in times the dissimilar inertia resulted in different accelerations, leading to material separation and fine fragments. The casings were manufactured through both hot iso-static pressing and cold gas dynamic spray deposition. Explosion experiments were conducted in a 3 m diameter, 23 m3 cylindrical chamber for these cased charges in a casing-to-explosive mass ratio of 1.75. The results demonstrated the presence of fine fragments and more efficient fragment combustion, compared with previous results, and indicated the effectiveness of both concepts. This work was jointly funded by Defence R&D Canada and the Advanced Energetics Program of DTRA (Dr. William H. Wilson).

Characterization of Detonation Soot Produced During Steady and Overdriven Conditions for Three High Explosive Formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesak, David; Amato, Ronald; Dattelbaum, Dana; Firestone, Millicent; Gustavsen, Richard; Huber, Rachel; Ringstrand, Bryan

2015-06-01

The detonation of high explosives (HE) produces a dense fluid of molecular gases and solid carbon. The solid detonation carbon contains various carbon allotropes such as detonation nanodiamonds, ``onion-like'' carbon, graphite and amorphous carbon, with the formation of the different forms dependent upon pressure, temperature and the environmental conditions of the detonation. We have collected solid carbon residues from controlled detonations of three HE formulations (Composition B-3, PBX 9501, and PBX 9502). Soot was collected from experiments designed to produce both steady and overdriven conditions, and from detonations in both an ambient (air) atmosphere and in an inert Ar atmosphere. Structural studies to glean the features of the solid carbon products have been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-Ray Pair Distribution Function measurements (PDF). Bulk soot was also analyzed for elemental and isotopic compositions. We will discuss differences in the structure and composition of the detonation carbon as a function of formulation, detonation conditions, and the surrounding atmosphere.

Nucleosynthesis in Primordial Hypernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimmett, J. J.; Heger, Alexander; Karakas, Amanda I.; Müller, Bernhard

2018-06-01

We investigate the relationship between explosion energy and nucleosynthesis in Population III supernovae and provide nucleosynthetic results for the explosions of stars with progenitor masses of 15 M⊙, 20 M⊙, 30 M⊙, 40 M⊙, 60 M⊙, and 80 M⊙, and explosion energies between approximately 1050 erg and 1053 erg. We find that the typical abundance pattern observed in metal-poor stars are best matched by supernovae with progenitor mass in the range 15 M⊙ - 30 M⊙, and explosion energy of ˜(5 - 10) × 1051 erg. In these models, a reverse shock caused by jumps in density between shells of different composition serves to decrease synthesis of chromium and manganese, which is favourable to matching the observed abundances in metal-poor stars. Spherically symmetric explosions of our models with progenitor mass ≥40 M⊙ do not provide yields that are compatible with the iron-peak abundances that are typically observed in metal-poor stars, however, by approximating the yields that we might expect from these models in highly aspherical explosions, we find indications that explosions of stars 40 M⊙ - 80 M⊙ with bipolar jets may be good candidates for the enrichment sources of metal-poor stars with enhanced carbon abundances.

Direct Real-Time Detection of Vapors from Explosive Compounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ewing, Robert G.; Clowers, Brian H.; Atkinson, David A.

2013-10-03

The real-time detection of vapors from low volatility explosives including PETN, tetryl, RDX and nitroglycerine along with various compositions containing these substances is demonstrated. This was accomplished with an atmospheric flow tube (AFT) using a non-radioactive ionization source and coupled to a mass spectrometer. Direct vapor detection was demonstrated in less than 5 seconds at ambient temperature without sample pre-concentration. The several seconds of residence time of analytes in the AFT provides a significant opportunity for reactant ions to interact with analyte vapors to achieve ionization. This extended reaction time, combined with the selective ionization using the nitrate reactant ionsmore » (NO3- and NO3-•HNO3), enables highly sensitive explosives detection. Observed signals from diluted explosive vapors indicate detection limits below 10 ppqv using selected ion monitoring (SIM) of the explosive-nitrate adduct at m/z 349, 378, 284 and 289 for tetryl, PETN, RDX and NG respectively. Also provided is a demonstration of the vapor detection from 10 different energetic formulations, including double base propellants, plastic explosives and commercial blasting explosives using SIM for the NG, PETN and RDX product ions.« less

Association of School Environment and After-School Physical Activity with Health-Related Physical Fitness among Junior High School Students in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Lo, Kai-Yang; Wu, Min-Chen; Tung, Shu-Chin; Hsieh, City C.; Yao, Hsueh-Hua; Ho, Chien-Chang

2017-01-01

The relationship between students’ school environment and exercise habits is complex, and is affected by numerous factors. However, the few studies that have been conducted on this relationship have reported inconsistent results, especially regarding Taiwanese students. We conducted this cross-sectional study to investigate the association of school environment and after-school physical activity with health-related physical fitness in Taiwanese adolescents. Data were drawn from a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan in 2008 of health-related physical fitness measurements among junior high school students (649,442 total) in grades seven to nine. School environment (level of urbanization, school size, presence of sports field or gymnasium) and after-school physical activity were assessed for their association with adolescents’ physical fitness measurements (body mass index (BMI), bent-leg sit-ups, 800-/1600-m run, sit-and-reach, standing long jump). Urban boys and girls perform significantly better in muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and explosive power; girls from rural areas exhibited significantly worse scores in body composition. Boys from large-size schools performed the worst in cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and explosive power; whereas girls from large-size schools performed the worst in muscle strength, muscle endurance, and explosive power, but had the best score for body composition. However, the differences in body composition of boys from large-, medium-, and small- size schools did not reach a statistically significant level. Adolescents of both genders in schools with a sports field or gymnasium exhibited significantly better in muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and explosive power. Boys in schools with a sports field or gymnasium had significantly better body composition; girls in schools with sports field or gymnasium differed significantly in flexibility. Adolescents of both genders who participated in physical activity after school had significantly better body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. Boys who participated in physical activity after school significantly differed in explosive power, whereas girls who participated in physical activity after school exhibited significantly better flexibility. Thus, the current study demonstrated that some factors, including urbanization (school location in rural or urban areas), school size, school facility provision (school with or without sports fields or gymnasiums), and after-school physical activity participation are more important than others in shaping adolescents’ physical fitness in Taiwan; meanwhile, these association patterns differed by gender. PMID:28098836

Association of School Environment and After-School Physical Activity with Health-Related Physical Fitness among Junior High School Students in Taiwan.

PubMed

Lo, Kai-Yang; Wu, Min-Chen; Tung, Shu-Chin; Hsieh, City C; Yao, Hsueh-Hua; Ho, Chien-Chang

2017-01-15

The relationship between students' school environment and exercise habits is complex, and is affected by numerous factors. However, the few studies that have been conducted on this relationship have reported inconsistent results, especially regarding Taiwanese students. We conducted this cross-sectional study to investigate the association of school environment and after-school physical activity with health-related physical fitness in Taiwanese adolescents. Data were drawn from a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan in 2008 of health-related physical fitness measurements among junior high school students (649,442 total) in grades seven to nine.School environment (level of urbanization, school size, presence of sports field or gymnasium) and after-school physical activity were assessed for their association with adolescents' physical fitness measurements (body mass index (BMI), bent-leg sit-ups, 800-/1600-m run, sit-and-reach, standing long jump). Urban boys and girls perform significantly better in muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and explosive power; girls from rural areas exhibited significantly worse scores in body composition. Boys from large-size schools performed the worst in cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and explosive power; whereas girls from large-size schools performed the worst in muscle strength, muscle endurance, and explosive power, but had the best score for body composition. However, the differences in body composition of boys from large-, medium-, and small- size schools did not reach a statistically significant level. Adolescents of both genders in schools with a sports field or gymnasium exhibited significantly better in muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and explosive power. Boys in schools with a sports field or gymnasium had significantly better body composition; girls in schools with sports field or gymnasium differed significantly in flexibility. Adolescents of both genders who participated in physical activity after school had significantly better body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. Boys who participated in physical activity after school significantly differed in explosive power, whereas girls who participated in physical activity after school exhibited significantly better flexibility. Thus, the current study demonstrated that some factors, including urbanization (school location in rural or urban areas), school size, school facility provision (school with or without sports fields or gymnasiums), and after-school physical activity participation are more important than others in shaping adolescents' physical fitness in Taiwan; meanwhile, these association patterns differed by gender.

A New Multiphase Equation of State for Composition B

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Coe, Joshua Damon; Margevicius, Madeline Alma

2016-07-25

We describe the construction of a complete equation of state for the high explosive Composition B in its unreacted (inert) form, as well as chemical equilibrium calculations of its detonation products. The multiphase reactant EOS is of SESAME type, and was calibrated to ambient thermal and mechanical data, the shock initiation experiments of Dattelbaum, et al., and the melt line of trinitrotoluene (TNT).

A Sulfur Trigger for the 2017 Phreatomagmatic Eruption of Poás Volcano, Costa Rica? Insights from MultiGAS and Drone-based Gas Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Moor, M. J.; Aiuppa, A.; Avard, G.; Diaz, J. A.; Corrales, E.; Rüdiger, J.; D´Arcy, F.; Fischer, T. P.; Stix, J.; Alan, A.

2017-12-01

In April 2017 Poás volcano entered its first magmatic eruption period of the 21st century. The initial explosive blasts produced eruption columns up to 4 km in height, destroyed the pre-existing dome that was emplaced during the last magmatic eruption in the 1950s, and showered the tourist observation deck with bombs. Over the following months, the hyperacid crater lake dried out and a transition from phreatomagmatic to strombolian activity was observed. Two vents now dominate the activity. The main vent (old dome site) produces gas, ash, and scoria. A second vent is located in the dried-out lake bed and produces a peculiar canary-yellow gas plume. A fixed MultiGAS instrument installed in the crater bottom recorded large changes in gas composition prior to the explosive eruptions. The station recorded a dramatic increase in SO2/CO2 from an average of 0.04 for March 2017 to an average of 7.4 the day before the first explosive eruption that occurred at 18:30 on 12 April. A simultaneous rapid decrease in H2S/SO2 from 2.7 to <0.01 was observed prior to the eruptions. The MultiGAS station stopped transmitting data after 2 days of explosive eruptions. We since developed new methods for measuring gas compositions and SO2 fluxes using drones, allowing continued gas monitoring despite dangerous conditions. Extremely high SO2/CO2 of 33 was measured with drone-based miniaturized MultiGAS ("miniGAS") in May 2017, and the ratio has since dropped to 3, which are more typical values of high temperature magmatic gases at Poás. The SO2 flux from Poás was at record low levels (< 5 T/d) in late 2016 and early 2017. Drone-based SO2 DOAS ("DROAS") measurements indicate high SO2 fluxes from Poas of >2000 T/d since the explosive eruptions, indicating a strong magmatic source and open conduits. We attribute the unusually S-rich gas compositions observed at Poás prior to and during the initial eruptions to combustion of previously deposited hydrothermal sulfur. The very low gas flux from the system prior to the explosive eruptions suggests that this sulfur may have played a role in hydrothermal sealing, leading to pressurization of the magmatic-hydrothermal system and ultimately triggering phreatomagmatic eruptions and "top down" remobilization of previously emplaced magma.

Buckybomb: Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulation

DOE PAGES

Chaban, Vitaly V.; Fileti, Eudes Eterno; Prezhdo, Oleg V.

2015-02-24

Energetic materials, such as explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, are widely used in civilian and military applications. Nanoscale explosives represent a special group because of the high density of energetic covalent bonds. The reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF) study of nitrofullerene decomposition reported here provides a detailed chemical mechanism of explosion of a nanoscale carbon material. Upon initial heating, C 60(NO 2) 12 disintegrates, increasing temperature and pressure by thousands of Kelvins and bars within tens of picoseconds. The explosion starts with NO 2 group isomerization into C-O-N-O, followed by emission of NO molecules and formation of CO groups on the buckyballmore » surface. NO oxidizes into NO 2, and C 60 falls apart, liberating CO 2. At the highest temperatures, CO 2 gives rise to diatomic carbon. Lastly, the study shows that the initiation temperature and released energy depend strongly on the chemical composition and density of the material.« less

The volcanic explosivity index /VEI/ - An estimate of explosive magnitude for historical volcanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newhall, C. G.; Self, S.

1982-01-01

A composite estimate of the magnitude of past explosive eruptions, referred to as the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), is proposed as a semiquantitative compromise between poor data and the need in various disciplines to evaluate the record of past volcanism. The VEI is assigned to more than 8000 historic and prehistoric eruptions. It is shown that the VEI can help detect incompleteness and reporting biases and can help in selecting subsets of the historical record suitable for each study. The VEI is a composite estimate of Walkers (1980) magnitude and/or intensity and/or destructiveness and/or (less frequently) dispersive power, violence, and energy release rate, depending on the data that are available.

ALE3D Simulation and Measurement of Violence in a Fast Cookoff Experiment with LX-10

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McClelland, M A; Maienschein, J L; Howard, W M

We performed a computational and experimental analysis of fast cookoff of LX-10 (94.7% HMX, 5.3% Viton A) confined in a 2 kbar steel tube with reinforced end caps. A Scaled-Thermal-Explosion-eXperiment (STEX) was completed in which three radiant heaters were used to heat the vessel until ignition, resulting in a moderately violent explosion after 20.4 minutes. Thermocouple measurements showed tube temperatures as high as 340 C at ignition and LX-10 surface temperatures as high as 279 C, which is near the melting point of HMX. Three micro-power radar systems were used to measure mean fragment velocities of 840 m/s. Photonics Dopplermore » Velocimeters (PDVs) showed a rapid acceleration of fragments over 80 {micro}s. A one-dimensional ALE3D cookoff model at the vessel midplane was used to simulate the heating, thermal expansion, LX-10 decomposition composition, and closing of the gap between the HE (High Explosive) and vessel wall. Although the ALE3D simulation terminated before ignition, the model provided a good representation of heat transfer through the case and across the dynamic gap to the explosive.« less

Pyroclastic Activity at Home Plate in Gusev Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Squyres, S. W.; Aharonson, O.; Clark, B. S.; Cohen, B.; Crumpler, L.; deSouza, P. A.; Farrand, W. H.; Gellert, R.; Grant, J.; Grotzinger, J. P.;

Pyroclastic activity at home plate in Gusev crater, Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Squyres, S. W.; Aharonson, O.; Clark, B. C.; Cohen, B. A.; Crumpler, L.; de Souza, P.A.; Farrand, W. H.; Gellert, Ralf; Grant, J.; Grotzinger, J.P.; Haldemann, A.F.C.; Johnson, J. R.; Klingelhofer, G.; Lewis, K.W.; Li, R.; McCoy, T.; McEwen, A.S.; McSween, H.Y.; Ming, D. W.; Moore, Johnnie N.; Morris, R.V.; Parker, T.J.; Rice, J. W.; Ruff, S.; Schmidt, M.; Schroder, C.; Soderblom, L.A.; Yen, A.

2007-01-01

Home Plate is a layered plateau in Gusev crater on Mars. It is composed of clastic rocks of moderately altered alkali basalt composition, enriched in some highly volatile elements. A coarse-grained lower unit lies under a finer-grained upper unit. Textural observations indicate that the lower strata were emplaced in an explosive event, and geochemical considerations favor an explosive volcanic origin over an impact origin. The lower unit likely represents accumulation of pyroclastic materials, whereas the upper unit may represent eolian reworking of the same pyroclastic materials.

Decompression experiments identify kinetic controls on explosive silicic eruptions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mangan, M.T.; Sisson, T.W.; Hankins, W.B.

2004-01-01

Eruption intensity is largely controlled by decompression-induced release of water-rich gas dissolved in magma. It is not simply the amount of gas that dictates how forcefully magma is propelled upwards during an eruption, but also the rate of degassing, which is partly a function of the supersaturation pressure (??Pcritical) triggering gas bubble nucleation. High temperature and pressure decompression experiments using rhyolite and dacite melt reveal compositionally-dependent differences in the ??Pcritical of degassing that may explain why rhyolites have fueled some of the most explosive eruptions on record.

Compressive strength after blast of sandwich composite materials

PubMed Central

Arora, H.; Kelly, M.; Worley, A.; Del Linz, P.; Fergusson, A.; Hooper, P. A.; Dear, J. P.

2014-01-01

Composite sandwich materials have yet to be widely adopted in the construction of naval vessels despite their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and low radar return. One barrier to their wider use is our limited understanding of their performance when subjected to air blast. This paper focuses on this problem and specifically the strength remaining after damage caused during an explosion. Carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite skins on a styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) polymer closed-cell foam core are the primary composite system evaluated. Glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite skins were also included for comparison in a comparable sandwich configuration. Full-scale blast experiments were conducted, where 1.6×1.3 m sized panels were subjected to blast of a Hopkinson–Cranz scaled distance of 3.02 m kg−1/3, 100 kg TNT equivalent at a stand-off distance of 14 m. This explosive blast represents a surface blast threat, where the shockwave propagates in air towards the naval vessel. Hopkinson was the first to investigate the characteristics of this explosive air-blast pulse (Hopkinson 1948 Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 89, 411–413 (doi:10.1098/rspa.1914.0008)). Further analysis is provided on the performance of the CFRP sandwich panel relative to the GFRP sandwich panel when subjected to blast loading through use of high-speed speckle strain mapping. After the blast events, the residual compressive load-bearing capacity is investigated experimentally, using appropriate loading conditions that an in-service vessel may have to sustain. Residual strength testing is well established for post-impact ballistic assessment, but there has been less research performed on the residual strength of sandwich composites after blast. PMID:24711494

Pleistocene volcaniclastic units from North-Eastern Sicily (Italy): new evidence for calc-alkaline explosive volcanism in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Bella, Marcella; Italiano, Francesco; Sabatino, Giuseppe; Tripodo, Alessandro; Baldanza, Angela; Casella, Sergio; Pino, Paolo; Rasa', Riccardo; Russo, Selma

2016-08-01

A well-preserved volcaniclastic sequence crops out in Pleistocene marine sediments along the Tyrrhenian coastline of the Calabrian-Peloritani arc (Sicily, Italy), testifying the occurrence of Lower-Middle Pleistocene volcanic activity in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. The presence of dominant highly vesicular and minor blocky glassy particles indicates that the volcanic clasts were originated by explosive events related to the ascent and violent emission of volatile-rich magmas accompanied by and/or alternated with hydromagmatic fragmentation due to magma-sea water interaction. Field investigations and sedimentological features of the studied volcaniclastic units suggest a deposition from sediment-water density flows. The chemical classification of the pumice clasts indicates prevalent rhyolitic and dacitic compositions with calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline affinity. The geochemical features of immobile trace elements together with the presence of orthopyroxene are indicative of a provenance from an arc-type environment. The age (from 980-910 to 589 ka), the chemical composition and the evidence of subaerial explosive volcanic activity constrain the origin nature and temporal evolution of the arc-type volcanism in the Southern Tyrrhenian domain. Finally, the new information here provided contribute to a better understanding of the temporal geodynamic evolution of this sector of the Mediterranean domain.

Explosion and combustion properties of alkylsilanes I : temperature-composition limits of explosion for methyl-,dimethyl-,trimethyl-,tetramethyl-,and vinylsilane at atmospheric pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schalla, Rose L; Mcdonald, Glen E

1954-01-01

The explosion limits of five alkylsilanes were determined as a function of temperature and composition at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. Over a fuel concentration range of 2 to 10 percent, the lowest temperatures (zero C) below which explosion did not occur for the five fuels studied were: tetramethylsilane (CHsub3)sub4Si, 450 degrees; trimethlysilane (CHsub3)sub3SiH, 310 degrees;dimethylsilane (CHsub3)sub2SiHsub2, 220 degrees; methylsilane CHsub3SiHsub3, 130 degrees; and vinylsilane Hsub2C=CH-SiHsub3, 90 degrees. Explosion limits for hydrocarbons analogous to these silanes fall in a temperature range of 500 degrees to 600 degrees C. Since the explosion temperatures of the alkylsilanes are lower than those of the hydrocarbons and since they decrease as hydrogen atoms are substituted for methyl groups, it was concluded that the Si-H bond is more readily susceptible to oxidation than the C-H bond.

Post-Detonation Energy Release from TNT-Aluminum Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Anderson, John; Yoshinaka, Akio

2007-06-01

Detonation and post-detonation energy release from TNT and TNT-aluminum composite have been experimentally studied in an air-filled chamber, 26 m^3 in volume and 3 m in diameter. While TNT has a high oxygen deficiency, experiments with 1.1 kg to 4 kg charges yield energy releases reaching only 86% of theoretical equilibrium values, possibly due to the non-uniform mixing between the detonation products and air. In order to improve mixing and further increase afterburning energy, large mass fractions of large aluminum particles are combined with TNT. The effect of particle distribution is also investigated in two composite configurations, whereby the aluminum particles are uniformly mixed in cast TNT or arranged in a shell surrounding a TNT cylinder. It is shown that the TNT-aluminum composite outperforms pure TNT, while improved performance is achieved for the shell configuration due to enhanced spatial mixing of hot fuels with oxidizing gases. Comparisons with the equilibrium theory and a liquid-based aluminized composite explosive (with an oxygen deficiency less than that of TNT) are conducted to further explore the mixing and afterburning mechanism.

Formation of intermetallics at the interface of explosively welded Ni-Al multilayered composites during annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogneva, T. S.; Lazurenko, D. V.; Bataev, I. A.; Mali, V. I.; Esikov, M. A.; Bataev, A. A.

2016-04-01

The Ni-Al multilayer composite was fabricated using explosive welding. The zones of mixing of Ni and Al are observed at the composite interfaces after the welding. The composition of these zones is inhomogeneous. Continuous homogeneous intermetallic layers are formed at the interface after heat treatment at 620 °C during 5 h These intermetallic layers consist of NiAl3 and Ni2Al3 phases. The presence of mixed zones significantly accelerates the growth rate of intermetallic phases at the initial stages of heating.

Microstructure and Properties of 5083 Al/1060 Al/AZ31 Composite Plate Fabricated by Explosive Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Suyuan; Bao, Jiawei

2018-03-01

A 5083 Al/1060 Al/AZ31 composite plate was fabricated by explosive welding. The microstructure and properties of the composite plate were investigated after explosive welding. The results showed that all bonding interfaces were wavy interfaces. With an increasing distance from the detonation point, the wavelength and the amplitude also increased. The EDS results indicated that a 5-μm diffusion layer was observed at the 1060 Al/AZ31 layer, including the Mg2Al3 phase. Adiabatic shear bands and twin structures were observed in AZ31. The shear bond strength of the 5083 Al/1060 Al interface was 60 MPa, and the shear bond strength of the 1060 Al/AZ31 interface was 84 MPa.

Progress on determining the vapor signature of a buried land mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Vivian; Jenkins, Thomas F.; Leggett, Daniel C.; Cragin, James H.; Phelan, James M.; Oxley, Jimmie C.; Pennington, Judy

1999-08-01

The goal of the DARPA 'Dog's Nose' program is to develop a sensor capable of detecting explosives contained in all buried landmines. In support of the DARPA program, the purpose of the Explosives Fate and Transport experiments is to define in detail the accessible trace chemical signature produced by the explosives contained in buried landmines. We intend to determine the partitioning, composition, and quantity of explosive related chemicals which emanate from different kinds of landmines buried in multiple soil types and exposed to various climatic events. We are also developing a computer model that will enable us to predict the composition and quantity of ERC under a much wider range of environmental conditions than we are able to test experimentally.

Hydrothermal pretreatment of wood by mild steam explosion and hot water extraction.

PubMed

Wojtasz-Mucha, Joanna; Hasani, Merima; Theliander, Hans

2017-10-01

The aim of this work was to compare the two most common hydrothermal pre-treatments for wood - mild steam explosion and hot water extraction - both with the prospect of enabling extraction of hemicelluloses and facilitating further processing. Although both involve autohydrolysis of the lignocellulosic tissue, they are performed under different conditions: the most prominent difference is the rapid, disintegrating, discharge employed in the steam explosion opening up the structure. In this comparative study, the emphasis was placed on local composition of the pre-treated wood chips (of industrially relevant size). The results show that short hot water extraction treatments lead to significant variations in the local composition within the wood chips, while steam explosion accomplishes a comparably more even removal of hemicelluloses due to the advective mass transport during the explosion step. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy transfer through a multi-layer liner for shaped charges

DOEpatents

Skolnick, Saul; Goodman, Albert

1985-01-01

This invention relates to the determination of parameters for selecting materials for use as liners in shaped charges to transfer the greatest amount of energy to the explosive jet. Multi-layer liners constructed of metal in shaped charges for oil well perforators or other applications are selected in accordance with the invention to maximize the penetrating effect of the explosive jet by reference to four parameters: (1) Adjusting the explosive charge to liner mass ratio to achieve a balance between the amount of explosive used in a shaped charge and the areal density of the liner material; (2) Adjusting the ductility of each layer of a multi-layer liner to enhance the formation of a longer energy jet; (3) Buffering the intermediate layers of a multi-layer liner by varying the properties of each layer, e.g., composition, thickness, ductility, acoustic impedance and areal density, to protect the final inside layer of high density material from shattering upon impact of the explosive force and, instead, flow smoothly into a jet; and (4) Adjusting the impedance of the layers in a liner to enhance the transmission and reduce the reflection of explosive energy across the interface between layers.

The spatial distribution patterns of condensed phase post-blast explosive residues formed during detonation.

PubMed

Abdul-Karim, Nadia; Blackman, Christopher S; Gill, Philip P; Karu, Kersti

2016-10-05

The continued usage of explosive devices, as well as the ever growing threat of 'dirty' bombs necessitates a comprehensive understanding of particle dispersal during detonation events in order to develop effectual methods for targeting explosive and/or additive remediation efforts. Herein, the distribution of explosive analytes from controlled detonations of aluminised ammonium nitrate and an RDX-based explosive composition were established by systematically sampling sites positioned around each firing. This is the first experimental study to produce evidence that the post-blast residue mass can distribute according to an approximate inverse-square law model, while also demonstrating for the first time that distribution trends can vary depending on individual analytes. Furthermore, by incorporating blast-wave overpressure measurements, high-speed imaging for fireball volume recordings, and monitoring of environmental conditions, it was determined that the principle factor affecting all analyte dispersals was the wind direction, with other factors affecting specific analytes to varying degrees. The dispersal mechanism for explosive residue is primarily the smoke cloud, a finding which in itself has wider impacts on the environment and fundamental detonation theory. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pyroxene thermometry of rhyolite lavas of the Bruneau-Jarbidge eruptive center, Central Snake River Plain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cathey, Henrietta E.; Nash, Barbara P.

2009-11-01

The Bruneau-Jarbidge eruptive center of the central Snake River Plain in southern Idaho, USA produced multiple rhyolite lava flows with volumes of <10 km 3 to 200 km 3 each from ~11.2 to 8.1 Ma, most of which follow its climactic phase of large-volume explosive volcanism, represented by the Cougar Point Tuff, from 12.7 to 10.5 Ma. These lavas represent the waning stages of silicic volcanism at a major eruptive center of the Yellowstone hotspot track. Here we provide pyroxene compositions and thermometry results from several lavas that demonstrate that the demise of the silicic volcanic system was characterized by sustained, high pre-eruptive magma temperatures (mostly ≥950 °C) prior to the onset of exclusively basaltic volcanism at the eruptive center. Pyroxenes display a variety of textures in single samples, including solitary euhedral crystals as well as glomerocrysts, crystal clots and annealed microgranular inclusions of pyroxene ± magnetite ± plagioclase. Pigeonite and augite crystals are unzoned, and there are no detectable differences in major and minor element compositions according to textural variety — mineral compositions in the microgranular inclusions and crystal clots are identical to those of phenocrysts in the host lavas. In contrast to members of the preceding Cougar Point Tuff that host polymodal glass and mineral populations, pyroxene compositions in each of the lavas are characterized by single rather than multiple discrete compositional modes. Collectively, the lavas reproduce and extend the range of Fe-Mg pyroxene compositional modes observed in the Cougar Point Tuff to more Mg-rich varieties. The compositionally homogeneous populations of pyroxene in each of the lavas, as well as the lack of core-to-rim zonation in individual crystals suggest that individual eruptions each were fed by compositionally homogeneous magma reservoirs, and similarities with the Cougar Point Tuff suggest consanguinity of such reservoirs to those that supplied the polymodal Cougar Point Tuff. Pyroxene thermometry results obtained using QUILF equilibria yield pre-eruptive magma temperatures of 905 to 980 °C, and individual modes consistently record higher Ca content and higher temperatures than pyroxenes with equivalent Fe-Mg ratios in the preceding Cougar Point Tuff. As is the case with the Cougar Point Tuff, evidence for up-temperature zonation within single crystals that would be consistent with recycling of sub- or near-solidus material from antecedent magma reservoirs by rapid reheating is extremely rare. Also, the absence of intra-crystal zonation, particularly at crystal rims, is not easily reconciled with cannibalization of caldera fill that subsided into pre-eruptive reservoirs. The textural, compositional and thermometric results rather are consistent with minor re-equilibration to higher temperatures of the unerupted crystalline residue from the explosive phase of volcanism, or perhaps with newly generated magmas from source materials very similar to those for the Cougar Point Tuff. Collectively, the data suggest that most of the pyroxene compositional diversity that is represented by the tuffs and lavas was produced early in the history of the eruptive center and that compositions across this range were preserved or duplicated through much of its lifetime. Mineral compositions and thermometry of the multiple lavas suggest that unerupted magmas residual to the explosive phase of volcanism may have been stored at sustained, high temperatures subsequent to the explosive phase of volcanism. If so, such persistent high temperatures and large eruptive magma volumes likewise require an abundant and persistent supply of basalt magmas to the lower and/or mid-crust, consistent with the tectonic setting of a continental hotspot.

A facies model for a quaternary andesitic composite volcano: Ruapehu, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackett, W. R.; Houghton, B. F.

1989-01-01

Ruapehu composite volcano is a dynamic volcanic-sedimentary system, characterised by high accumulation rates and by rapid lateral and vertical change in facies. Four major cone-building episodes have occurred over 250 Ka, from a variety of summit, flank and satellite vents. Eruptive styles include subplinian, strombolian, phreatomagmatic, vulcanian and dome-related explosive eruptions, and extrusion of lava flows and domes. The volcano can be divided into two parts: a composite cone of volume 110 km3, surrounded by an equally voluminous ring plain. Complementary portions of Ruapehu's history are preserved in cone-forming and ring plain environments. Cone-forming sequences are dominated by sheet- and autobrecciated-lava flows, which seldom reach the ring plain. The ring plain is built predominantly from the products of explosive volcanism, both the distal primary pyroclastic deposits and the reworked material eroded from the cone. Much of the material entering the ring plain is transported by lahars either generated directly by eruptions or triggered by the high intensity rain storms which characterise the region. Ring plain detritus is reworked rapidly by concentrated and hyperconcentrated streams in pulses of rapid aggradation immediately following eruptions and more gradually in the longer intervals between eruptions.

Minimizing masses in explosively driven two-shockwave physics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buttler, William; Cherne, Frank; Furlanetto, Michael; Payton, Jeremy; Stone, Joseph; Tabaka, Leonard; Vincent, Samuel

2015-06-01

We have experimentally investigated different two-shockwave high-explosives (HE) physics package designs to maximize the variability of the second shockwave peak stress, while minimizing the total HE load of the physics tool. A critical requirement is to also have a large radial diameter of the second shockwave to maintain its value as an HE driven two-shockwave drive. We have previously shown that we could vary the peak-stress of the second-shockwave with a 76 mm diameter HE lens driving different composite boosters of PBX 9501 and TNT. Here we report on our results with a 56- and 50-mm diameter HE lens driving Baritol. The results indicate that the 56-mm diameter HE lens works well, as does the Baritol, giving total HE loads of about 250 mg TNT equivalent explosives.

Shock-to-detonation transition of RDX and NTO based composite high explosives: experiments and modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baudin, Gerard; Roudot, Marie; Genetier, Marc

2013-06-01

Composite HMX and NTO based high explosives (HE) are widely used in ammunitions. Designing modern warheads needs robust and reliable models to compute shock ignition and detonation propagation inside HE. Comparing to a pressed HE, a composite HE is not porous and the hot-spots are mainly located at the grain - binder interface leading to a different behavior during shock-to-detonation transition. An investigation of how shock-to-detonation transition occurs inside composite HE containing RDX and NTO is proposed in this lecture. Two composite HE have been studied. The first one is HMX - HTPB 82:18. The second one is HMX - NTO - HTPB 12:72:16. These HE have been submitted to plane sustained shock waves at different pressure levels using a laboratory powder gun. Pressure signals are measured using manganin gauges inserted at several distances inside HE. The corresponding run-distances to detonation are determined using wedge test experiments where the plate impact is performed using a powder gun. Both HE exhibit a single detonation buildup curve in the distance - time diagram of shock-to-detonation transition. This feature seems a common shock-to-detonation behavior for composite HE without porosity. This behavior is also confirmed for a RDX - HTPB 85:15 based composite HE. Such a behavior is exploited to determine the heterogeneous reaction rate versus the shock pressure using a method based on the Cauchy-Riemann problem inversion. The reaction rate laws obtained allow to compute both run-distance to detonation and pressure signals.

Concepts of Ideal and Nonideal Explosives.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

Akst and J. Hershkowitz, "Explosive Performance Modification by Cosolidifaction of Ammonium Nitrate with Fuels ," Technical Report 4987, Picatinny...explosives Equations of state Diameter effect Ammonium nitrate 20. ASSrRACr (ca’mes r w re t N netwezy ad identity by block number) The purpose of...this report is to stimulate discussion on the nonideality of ammonium nitrate and its composite explosives. The concept of ideal and non- ideal

New World Vistas: Air and Space Power for the 21st Century, Materials Volume.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-06-01

derivatives from niche (non-silicon) materials: IR sensors, radars, lasers, and high - temperature , adverse-environment electronics. Investment in these...Develop metastable interstitial composites to create extremely high temperatures for destroying chemical biological warfare agents. " Explosives: 1...synthesize of high temperature materials that will be tailored for specific applications/ components. These materials will tend to have microstructures on

Preparation of 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole

DOEpatents

Lee, Kien-Yin

1986-01-01

A new high density composition of matter, 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole, has been synthesized using inexpensive, commonly available compounds. This compound has been found to be an explosive, and its use as a propellant is anticipated.

Cycles of explosive and effusive eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swanson, Don; Rose, Timothy R.; Mucek, Adonara E; Garcia, Michael O.; Fiske, Richard S.; Mastin, Larry G.

2014-01-01

The subaerial eruptive activity at Kīlauea Volcano (Hawai‘i) for the past 2500 yr can be divided into 3 dominantly effusive and 2 dominantly explosive periods, each lasting several centuries. The prevailing style of eruption for 60% of this time was explosive, manifested by repeated phreatic and phreatomagmatic activity in a deep summit caldera. During dominantly explosive periods, the magma supply rate to the shallow storage volume beneath the summit dropped to only a few percent of that during mainly effusive periods. The frequency and duration of explosive activity are contrary to the popular impression that Kīlauea is almost unceasingly effusive. Explosive activity apparently correlates with the presence of a caldera intersecting the water table. The decrease in magma supply rate may result in caldera collapse, because erupted or intruded magma is not replaced. Glasses with unusually high MgO, TiO2, and K2O compositions occur only in explosive tephra (and one related lava flow) and are consistent with disruption of the shallow reservoir complex during caldera formation. Kīlauea is a complex, modulated system in which melting rate, supply rate, conduit stability (in both mantle and crust), reservoir geometry, water table, and many other factors interact with one another. The hazards associated with explosive activity at Kīlauea’s summit would have major impact on local society if a future dominantly explosive period were to last several centuries. The association of lowered magma supply, caldera formation, and explosive activity might characterize other basaltic volcanoes, but has not been recognized.

Discovery of a Powerful, Transient, Explosive Thermal Event at Marduk Fluctus, Io, in Galileo NIMS Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, A. G.; Davies, R. L.; Veeder, G. J.; de Kleer, K.; de Pater, I.; Matson, D. L.; Johnson, T. V.; Wilson, L.

2018-04-01

Analysis of Galileo Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer observations of Marduk Fluctus, a volcano on the Jovian moon Io, reveals a style of volcanic activity not previously seen there—a powerful thermal event lasting only a few minutes in 1996. The thermal emission rapidly fades, suggesting extremely rapid cooling of small clasts. The duration and evolution of the explosive eruption are akin to what might be expected from a strombolian or vulcanian explosion. The presence of such events provides an additional volcanic process that can be imaged by future missions with the intent of determining lava composition from eruption temperature, an important constraint on the internal composition of Io. These data promise to be of particular use in understanding the mechanics of explosive volcanic processes on Io.

49 CFR 173.56 - New explosives-definition and procedures for classification and approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... agency the ranges of composition of ingredients and compounds, showing the intended manufacturing... was produced to an explosives testing range if— (1) It is not a primary (a 1.1A initiating) explosive...) Ammunition with inert projectile or blank ammunition; and (4) Ammunition not exceeding 50 caliber for rifle...

49 CFR 173.56 - New explosives-definition and procedures for classification and approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... the ranges of composition of ingredients and compounds, showing the intended manufacturing tolerances... was produced to an explosives testing range if— (1) It is not a primary (a 1.1A initiating) explosive...; (3) Ammunition with inert projectile or blank ammunition; and (4) Ammunition not exceeding 50 caliber...

49 CFR 173.56 - New explosives-definition and procedures for classification and approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... the ranges of composition of ingredients and compounds, showing the intended manufacturing tolerances... was produced to an explosives testing range if— (1) It is not a primary (a 1.1A initiating) explosive...; (3) Ammunition with inert projectile or blank ammunition; and (4) Ammunition not exceeding 50 caliber...

49 CFR 173.56 - New explosives-definition and procedures for classification and approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... agency the ranges of composition of ingredients and compounds, showing the intended manufacturing... was produced to an explosives testing range if— (1) It is not a primary (a 1.1A initiating) explosive...) Ammunition with inert projectile or blank ammunition; and (4) Ammunition not exceeding 50 caliber for rifle...

46 CFR 35.30-25 - Explosives-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Explosives-TB/ALL. 35.30-25 Section 35.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS General Safety Rules § 35.30-25 Explosives—TB/ALL. Fulminates or other detonating compounds in bulk in dry condition; explosive compositions...

46 CFR 35.30-25 - Explosives-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Explosives-TB/ALL. 35.30-25 Section 35.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS General Safety Rules § 35.30-25 Explosives—TB/ALL. Fulminates or other detonating compounds in bulk in dry condition; explosive compositions...

46 CFR 35.30-25 - Explosives-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Explosives-TB/ALL. 35.30-25 Section 35.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS General Safety Rules § 35.30-25 Explosives—TB/ALL. Fulminates or other detonating compounds in bulk in dry condition; explosive compositions...

46 CFR 35.30-25 - Explosives-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Explosives-TB/ALL. 35.30-25 Section 35.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS General Safety Rules § 35.30-25 Explosives—TB/ALL. Fulminates or other detonating compounds in bulk in dry condition; explosive compositions...

46 CFR 35.30-25 - Explosives-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Explosives-TB/ALL. 35.30-25 Section 35.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS General Safety Rules § 35.30-25 Explosives—TB/ALL. Fulminates or other detonating compounds in bulk in dry condition; explosive compositions...

A compositional tipping point governing the mobilization and eruption style of rhyolitic magma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Genova, D.; Kolzenburg, S.; Wiesmaier, S.; Dallanave, E.; Neuville, D. R.; Hess, K. U.; Dingwell, D. B.

2017-12-01

The most viscous volcanic melts and the largest explosive eruptions on our planet consist of calcalkaline rhyolites. These eruptions have the potential to influence global climate. The eruptive products are commonly very crystal-poor and highly degassed, yet the magma is mostly stored as crystal mushes containing small amounts of interstitial melt with elevated water content. It is unclear how magma mushes are mobilized to create large batches of eruptible crystal-free magma. Further, rhyolitic eruptions can switch repeatedly between effusive and explosive eruption styles and this transition is difficult to attribute to the rheological effects of water content or crystallinity. Here we measure the viscosity of a series of melts spanning the compositional range of the Yellowstone volcanic system and find that in a narrow compositional zone, melt viscosity increases by up to two orders of magnitude. These viscosity variations are not predicted by current viscosity models and result from melt structure reorganization, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. We identify a critical compositional tipping point, independently documented in the global geochemical record of rhyolites, at which rhyolitic melts fluidize or stiffen and that clearly separates effusive from explosive deposits worldwide. This correlation between melt structure, viscosity and eruptive behaviour holds despite the variable water content and other parameters, such as temperature, that are inherent in natural eruptions. Thermodynamic modelling demonstrates how the observed subtle compositional changes that result in fluidization or stiffening of the melt can be induced by crystal growth from the melt or variation in oxygen fugacity. However, the rheological effects of water and crystal content alone cannot explain the correlation between composition and eruptive style. We conclude that the composition of calcalkaline rhyolites is decisive in determining the mobilization and eruption dynamics of Earth’s largest volcanic systems, resulting in a better understanding of how the melt structure controls volcanic processes.

A compositional tipping point governing the mobilization and eruption style of rhyolitic magma.

PubMed

Di Genova, D; Kolzenburg, S; Wiesmaier, S; Dallanave, E; Neuville, D R; Hess, K U; Dingwell, D B

2017-12-13

The most viscous volcanic melts and the largest explosive eruptions on our planet consist of calcalkaline rhyolites. These eruptions have the potential to influence global climate. The eruptive products are commonly very crystal-poor and highly degassed, yet the magma is mostly stored as crystal mushes containing small amounts of interstitial melt with elevated water content. It is unclear how magma mushes are mobilized to create large batches of eruptible crystal-free magma. Further, rhyolitic eruptions can switch repeatedly between effusive and explosive eruption styles and this transition is difficult to attribute to the rheological effects of water content or crystallinity. Here we measure the viscosity of a series of melts spanning the compositional range of the Yellowstone volcanic system and find that in a narrow compositional zone, melt viscosity increases by up to two orders of magnitude. These viscosity variations are not predicted by current viscosity models and result from melt structure reorganization, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. We identify a critical compositional tipping point, independently documented in the global geochemical record of rhyolites, at which rhyolitic melts fluidize or stiffen and that clearly separates effusive from explosive deposits worldwide. This correlation between melt structure, viscosity and eruptive behaviour holds despite the variable water content and other parameters, such as temperature, that are inherent in natural eruptions. Thermodynamic modelling demonstrates how the observed subtle compositional changes that result in fluidization or stiffening of the melt can be induced by crystal growth from the melt or variation in oxygen fugacity. However, the rheological effects of water and crystal content alone cannot explain the correlation between composition and eruptive style. We conclude that the composition of calcalkaline rhyolites is decisive in determining the mobilization and eruption dynamics of Earth's largest volcanic systems, resulting in a better understanding of how the melt structure controls volcanic processes.

A mixed helium-oxygen shell in some core-collapse supernova progenitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gofman, Roni Anna; Gilkis, Avishai; Soker, Noam

2018-04-01

We evolve models of rotating massive stars up to the stage of iron core collapse using the MESA code and find a shell with a mixed composition of primarily helium and oxygen in some cases. In the parameter space of initial masses of 13-40M⊙ and initial rotation velocities of 0-450 kms-1 that we investigate, we find a mixed helium-oxygen (He-O) shell with a significant total He-O mass and with a helium to oxygen mass ratio in the range of 0.5-2 only for a small fraction of the models. While the shell formation due to mixing is instigated by rotation, the pre-collapse rotation rate is not very high. The fraction of models with a shell of He-O composition required for an energetic collapse-induced thermonuclear explosion is small, as is the fraction of models with high specific angular momentum, which can aid the thermonuclear explosion by retarding the collapse. Our results suggest that the collapse-induced thermonuclear explosion mechanism that was revisited recently can account for at most a small fraction of core-collapse supernovae. The presence of such a mixed He-O shell still might have some implications for core-collapse supernovae, such as some nucleosynthesis processes when jets are present, or might result in peculiar sub-luminous core-collapse supernovae.

A mixed helium-oxygen shell in some core-collapse supernova progenitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gofman, Roni Anna; Gilkis, Avishai; Soker, Noam

2018-07-01

We evolve models of rotating massive stars up to the stage of iron core collapse using the MESA code and find a shell with a mixed composition of primarily helium and oxygen in some cases. In the parameter space of initial masses of 13-40 M⊙ and initial rotation velocities of 0-450 km s-1 that we investigate, we find a mixed helium-oxygen (He-O) shell with a significant total He-O mass and with a helium to oxygen mass ratio in the range of 0.5-2 only for a small fraction of the models. While the shell formation due to mixing is instigated by rotation, the pre-collapse rotation rate is not very high. The fraction of models with a shell of He-O composition required for an energetic collapse-induced thermonuclear explosion is small, as is the fraction of models with high specific angular momentum, which can aid the thermonuclear explosion by retarding the collapse. Our results suggest that the collapse-induced thermonuclear explosion mechanism that was revisited recently can account for at most a small fraction of core-collapse supernovae. The presence of such a mixed He-O shell still might have some implications for core-collapse supernovae, such as some nucleosynthesis processes when jets are present, or might result in peculiar sub-luminous core-collapse supernovae.

49 CFR 173.56 - New explosives-definition and procedures for classification and approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... tolerances in the composition of substances or design of articles which will be allowed in that material or... concurred in by: (i) U.S. Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety (SMCAC-EST), Naval Sea Systems Command... explosive (substance or article) and is packed, marked, labeled, described on shipping papers and is...

Dynamic Consolidation and Investigation of Nanostructural W-Cu / W-Y Cylindrical Billets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godibadze, B.; Dgebuadze, A.; Chagelishvili, E.; Mamniashvili, G.; Peikrishvili, A.

2018-03-01

The main purpose of presented work is to obtain W-Cu & W-Y cylindrical bulk nanostructured billets by explosive consolidation technology (ECT) in hot condition, with low porosity near to theoretical densities and improved physical / mechanical properties. Nanocomposites were subjected to densification into cylindrical steel tube containers using hot explosive consolidation (HEC) technology to fabricate high dense cylindrical billets. The first stage : Preliminary explosive densification of the precursor powder blend is carried out at room temperature with a loading intensity up to 10GPa to increase the initial density and to activate the particle surfaces in the blend. The second stage investigation were carried out for the same already predensified billets, but consolidation were conducted in hot conditions, after heating of samples in between 940-11000C, the intensity of loading was equal to 10GPa. Consolidated different type of W-Cu composition containing 10-40% of nanoscale W, during investigation showed that the combination of high temperatures (above 940°C) and two-stage shock wave compression was beneficial to the consolidation of the incompatible pair W-Cu composites, resulting in high densities, good integrity and good electronic properties. The structure and property of the samples obtained, depended on the sizes of tungsten particles. It was established that in comparison with W-Cu composites with coarse tungsten the application of nanoscale W precursors and depending of content of W gives different result. Tungsten is a prime material candidate for the first wall of a future fusion reactor. In this study, the microstructure and microhardness of tungsten-yttrium (W-Y) composites were investigated as a function of Y doping content (0.5÷2 wt. %). It was found that the crystallite sizes and the powder particle sizes were increased as a result of the increase of Y content. Nearly fully dense materials were obtained for W-Y alloys when the Y content was higher than 0.5 wt. %. Investigation revealed that the Y rich phases were complex (W-Y) oxides formed during the sintering process. Also very interesting to use doping chromium with yttrium-containing alloys. e.g. (W - 10÷12 Cr -0.5÷2 Y) wt. %. The extent up to which yttrium acts as an active element improving the adherence and stability of the protective Cr 2 O 3 layer formed during oxidation is assessed. The structure and characteristics of the obtained samples depends on the phase content, distribution of phases and processing parameters during explosive synthesis and consolidation. Cu – (10-30%) W powder mixtures were formed into cylindrical rods using a hot shock wave consolidation (HSWC) process. Different type of Cu - W precursor composition containing 10, 20 and 30% of nanoscale W were consolidated near theoretical density under 900°C The loading intensity was under 10 GPa. The investigation showed that the combination of high temperatures (above 800°C) and two stage shock wave compression was beneficial to the consolidation of the W-Cu & W-Y composites, resulting in high densities, good integrity and good electronic properties.

Evolution of the Structure of Local Regions of Fused Metal in Explosion-Welded Nickel-Aluminum Composites Under Heat Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shmorgun, V. G.; Bogdanov, A. I.; Gurevich, L. M.

2016-03-01

The methods of electron, optical, and atomic force microscopy are used to study the structure, morphology and phase composition of local regions of fused metal in an explosion-welded nickel-aluminum composite. It is shown that the diffusion zone formed due to the heat treatment repeats the contour of the fuse in the first stage and then "absorbs" it upon duration of the hold thus leveling the phase composition. ANi2Al3 Aluminide layer forms on the side of nickel and a NiAl3 layer forms on the side of aluminum.

Development of Methodology and Technology for Identifying and Quantifying Emission Products from Open Burning and Open Detonation Thermal Treatment Methods. Field Test Series A, B, and C. Volume 1. Test Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

3-37 Table 3.2 Nominal Composition of Explosive D ............................. 3-38 Table 3.3 Nominal Composition of PBXN -6...RDX used during Phase C was PBXN -6, a mixture of RDX and Viton An* (hereafter referred to as 3 RDX), The nominal composition of this explosive is...given in table 3.3. I I I I 3-38 3 I I Table 3.3 Nominal Composition of PBXN -6. II Carbon Content (%) Ingredient Weight (%)I __ .1• •,, ,,,,i, RDX 95.0

Investigation of the structure and properties of a composite insert applied at laser welding of steel with titanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pugacheva, N. B.; Cherepanov, A. N.; Orishich, A. M.; Malikov, A. G.; Drozdov, V. O.; Mali, V. I.; Senaeva, E. I.

2017-10-01

Production of welded bimetallic structures of titanium and steel using a laser beam is a very urgent and important task in the shipbuilding, airspace and power engineering. Laser welding using an intermediate insert is one of the ways to solve this problem. In this paper, we present the results of experimental studies of formation of the structure and properties of composite insert, obtained by explosion welding, after its application at laser welding steel with titanium. A study of a four-layer composite insert obtained by explosion welding showed that it has no brittle intermetallic phases and defects in the form of cracks and pores. The boundaries between the plates to be welded in the composite insert have a characteristic wavy structure with narrow zones of mutual diffusion penetration of elements of the adjacent metals. It is established that the strength of the composite insert is comparable with the maximum strength of Grade 4 alloy, and the destruction of the product during the tensile tests in most cases occurred along the weakest component of the composite insert, i.e. the copper layer, whose strength was significantly increased due to the hardening that took place in the explosion welding.

Shock-to-detonation transition of RDX, HMX and NTO based composite high explosives: experiments and modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baudin, G.; Roudot, M.; Genetier, M.; Mateille, P.; Lefrançois, A.

2014-05-01

HMX, RDX and NTO based cast-cured plastic bounded explosive (PBX) are widely used in insensitive ammunitions. Designing modern warheads needs robust and reliable models to compute shock ignition and detonation propagation inside PBX. Comparing to a pressed PBX, a cast-cured PBX is not porous and the hot-spots are mainly located at the grain-binder interface leading to a different burning behavior during shock-to-detonation transition. Here, we review the shock-to-detonation transition (SDT) and its modeling for cast-cured PBX containing HMX, RDX and NTO. Future direction is given in conclusion.

Explosive Deep Sea Volcanism Produces Composite Volcanoes (Stratocones) with Predominantly Diffuse Flow Hydrothermal Ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin, K. H.; Chadwick, W. C.; Embley, R. W.; Butterfield, D. A.

2018-05-01

Newly-discovered extensive explosive deep sea volcanism produces distinct stratovolcano structures and physical rock characteristics, and host primarily diffuse flow hydrothermal activity, unlike focused flow systems at effusive submarine volcanoes.

Metallic glass formation at the interface of explosively welded Nb and stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bataev, I. A.; Hokamoto, K.; Keno, H.; Bataev, A. A.; Balagansky, I. A.; Vinogradov, A. V.

2015-07-01

The interface between explosively welded niobium and stainless steel SUS 304 was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. The wavy interface along which vortex zones were located was observed. The vortex zones formed due to the mixing of materials typically had amorphous structure. Inoue's criteria of glass formation were used to explain this result. The effect of the composition, cooling rate and pressure on the glass formation are discussed. The conditions of deformation, heating, and cooling as well as shockwaves propagation were numerically simulated. We show that the conditions of vortex zone formation resemble the conditions of rapid solidification processes. In contrast to the "classical" methods of rapid solidification of melt, the conditions of metastable phase formation during explosive welding are significantly complicated by the fluctuations of composition and pressure. Possible metastable structures formation at the interface of some common explosively joined materials is predicted.

Interface morphology and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Al laminated composites fabricated by explosive welding and subsequent rolling process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoseini-Athar, M. M.; Tolaminejad, B.

2016-07-01

Explosive welding is a well-known solid state method for joining similar and dissimilar materials. In the present study, tri-layered Al-Cu-Al laminated composites with different interface morphologies were fabricated by explosive welding and subsequent rolling. Effects of explosive ratio and rolling thickness reduction on the morphology of interface and mechanical properties were evaluated through optical/scanning electron microscopy, micro-hardness, tensile and tensile-shear tests. Results showed that by increasing the thickness reduction, bonding strength of specimens including straight and wavy interfaces increases. However, bonding strength of the specimens with melted layer interface decreases up to a threshold thickness reduction, then rapidly increases by raising the reduction. Hardness Values of welded specimens were higher than those of original material especially near the interface and a more uniform hardness profile was obtained after rolling process.

Coatings for graphite fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galasso, F. S.; Scola, D. A.; Veltri, R. D.

1980-01-01

Graphite fibers released from composites during burning or an explosion caused shorting of electrical and electronic equipment. Silicon carbide, silica, silicon nitride and boron nitride were coated on graphite fibers to increase their electrical resistances. Resistances as high as three orders of magnitude higher than uncoated fiber were attained without any significant degradation of the substrate fiber. An organo-silicone approach to produce coated fibers with high electrical resistance was also used. Celion 6000 graphite fibers were coated with an organo-silicone compound, followed by hydrolysis and pyrolysis of the coating to a silica-like material. The shear and flexural strengths of composites made from high electrically resistant fibers were considerably lower than the shear and flexural strengths of composites made from the lower electrically resistant fibers. The lower shear strengths of the composites indicated that the coatings on these fibers were weaker than the coating on the fibers which were pyrolyzed at higher temperature.

Avian community composition in response to high explosive testing operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Northern New Mexico

DOE PAGES

Keller, David C.; Fresquez, Philip R.; Hansen, Leslie A.; ...

2015-12-28

Breeding bird abundance, species richness, evenness, diversity, composition, productivity, and survivorship were determined near a high-explosive detonation site at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA, during pre-operation (1997-1999) and operation (2000-2014) periods. The operation periods consisted of detonations (<23 kg in yield and <3 per breeding season) in open air (2000-2002), within foam containment (2003-2006) and within steel vessel containment (2007-2014) systems; the latter two were employed to reduce noise and dispersal of high-explosives residues. A total of 2952 bird captures, representing 80 species, was recorded during 18 years of mist net operations using the Monitoring Avian Productivity andmore » Survivorship protocol. Individuals captured were identified to species, aged, sexed, and banded during May through August of each year. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in mean avian abundance and species evenness in any of the operation periods as compared with the pre-operation period. Species richness and diversity were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the vessel containment period (2007-2014) than the pre-operation period. The time period of this study coincided with a wildfire (2000), a bark beetle infestation (2002), and two periods of drought (Nov 1999-Mar 2004 and Dec 2005-Dec 2014) that affected the study area. Furthermore, analysis of aerial photos determined that the average percent canopy cover of mature ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa) within 100 feet of mist net sites declined from 12% to 3% between 1991 and 2014 and the percent cover of shrubs slightly increased.« less

Using molecular recognition of beta-cyclodextrin to determine molecular weights of low-molecular-weight explosives by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; Shi, Zhen; Bai, Yinjuan; Gao, Yong; Hu, Rongzu; Zhao, Fenqi

2006-02-01

This study presents a novel method for determining the molecular weights of low molecular weight (MW) energetic compounds through their complexes of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) in a mass range of 500 to 1700 Da, avoiding matrix interference. The MWs of one composite explosive composed of 2,6-DNT, TNT, and RDX, one propellant with unknown components, and 14 single-compound explosives (RDX, HMX, 3,4-DNT, 2,6-DNT, 2,5-DNT, 2,4,6-TNT, TNAZ, DNI, BTTN, NG, TO, NTO, NP, and 662) were measured. The molecular recognition and inclusion behavior of beta-CD to energetic materials (EMs) were investigated. The results show that (1) the established method is sensitive, simple, accurate, and suitable for determining the MWs of low-MW single-compound explosives and energetic components in composite explosives and propellants; and (2) beta-CD has good inclusion and modular recognition abilities to the above EMs.

New insights into the explosive history of the Yellowstone super-volcano from high-precision dating and mineral chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellis, B. S.; Mark, D. F.; Nix, C.; Rowe, M. C.; Wolff, J. A.; Kent, A. J.; Loewen, M. W.

2012-12-01

Yellowstone is commonly held up as the archetypal 'super-volcano', having had three major eruptive episodes at ~ 2 Ma, 1.3 Ma, and 0.6 Ma. However, given the importance of such large magnitude events on all scales from local to global, this idea has been held up to surprisingly little rigorous testing. Here we combine new high-precision Ar/Ar geochronology and mineral chemistry from multiple phases to shed new light on the explosive history of the Huckleberry Ridge and Lava Creek eruptions from the Yellowstone volcanic field. Recent high precision 40Ar/39Ar geochronology has shown that member C of the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff was erupted at least 6,000 years later than members A and B. This result is supported by significant differences in the compositions of fayalitic olivine, augite, and quartz between the different members. Mafic minerals are compositionally homogeneous with augites and fayalites of member C less magnesian than those found in members A and B. Quartz grains show a variety of textures in CL imaging and have within-grain variations in titanium (determined via EMPA and LA-ICPMS) reaching a factor of 2. Again, member C of the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff has distinct compositions of quartz (with higher Ti up to 242 ppm) than earlier erupted HRT. Quartz from Lava Creek Tuff shows differences in abundance of Ti between members A and B with member A having generally lower Ti (average 55 ppm) than member B (average 102 ppm). The mineral-scale chemistry presented here agrees with the pre-existing field evidence, radiogenic isotopic variation and high-precision geochronology to indicate that member C of Huckleberry Ridge Tuff represents a different magma to that which erupted and formed members A and B. Combining high-precision geochronology and detailed mineral-scale geochemistry from a number of different phases provides a robust method of distinguishing individual magma batches and clarifying the explosive history of a volcano. Our new data suggest that in some cases 'super-eruptions' might be better thought of as a series of large eruptions over a short timespan rather than a single gigantic event.

Explosives signatures and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fountain, Augustus Way, III; Oyler, Jonathan M.; Ostazeski, Stanley A.

2008-04-01

The challenge of sampling explosive materials for various high threat military and civilian operational scenarios requires the community to identify and exploit other chemical compounds within the mixtures that may be available to support stand-off detection techniques. While limited surface and vapor phase characterization of IEDs exist, they are insufficient to guide the future development and evaluation of field deployable explosives detection (proximity and standoff) capabilities. ECBC has conducted a limited investigation of three artillery ammunition types to determine what chemical vapors, if any, are available for sensing; the relative composition of the vapors which includes the more volatile compounds in munitions, i.e., plastersizers and binders; and the sensitivity needed detect these vapors at stand-off. Also in partnership with MIT-Lincoln Laboratory, we performed a background measurement campaign at the National Training Center to determine the baseline ambient amounts and variability of nitrates and nitro-ester compounds as vapors, particulates, and on surfaces; as well as other chemical compounds related to non-energetic explosive additives. Environmental persistence studies in contexts relevant to counter-IED sensing operations, such as surface residues, are still necessary.

Raman chemical imaging of explosive-contaminated fingerprints.

PubMed

Emmons, E D; Tripathi, A; Guicheteau, J A; Christesen, S D; Fountain, A W

2009-11-01

Raman chemical imaging (RCI) has been used to detect and identify explosives in contaminated fingerprints. Bright-field imaging is used to identify regions of interest within a fingerprint, which can then be examined to determine their chemical composition using RCI and fluorescence imaging. Results are presented where explosives in contaminated fingerprints are identified and their spatial distributions are obtained. Identification of explosives is obtained using Pearson's cosine cross-correlation technique using the characteristic region (500-1850 cm(-1)) of the spectrum. This study shows the ability to identify explosives nondestructively so that the fingerprint remains intact for further biometric analysis. Prospects for forensic examination of contaminated fingerprints are discussed.

Identifying explosives using broadband millimeter-wave imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weatherall, James C.; Yam, Kevin; Barber, Jeffrey; Smith, Barry T.; Smith, Peter R.; Greca, Joseph

2017-05-01

Millimeter wave imaging is employed in Advanced Technology Imaging (AIT) systems to screen personnel for concealed explosives and weapons. AIT systems deployed in airports auto-detect potential threats by highlighting their location on a generic outline of a person using imaging data collected over a range of frequency. We show how the spectral information from the imaging data can be used to identify the composition of an anomalous object, in particular if it is an explosive material. The discriminative value of the technique was illustrated on military sheet explosive using millimeter-wave reflection data at frequencies 18 - 40 GHz, and commercial explosives using 2 - 18 GHz, but the free-space measurement was limited to a single horn with a large-area sample. This work extends the method to imaging data collected at high resolution with a 18 - 40 GHz imaging system. The identification of explosives is accomplished by extracting the dielectric constant from the free-space, multifrequency data. The reflection coefficient is a function of frequency because of propagation effects associated with the material's complex dielectric constant, which include interference from multiple reflections and energy loss in the sample. The dielectric constant is obtained by numerically fitting the reflection coefficient as a function of frequency to an optical model. In principal, the implementation of this technique in standoff imaging systems would allow threat assessment to be accomplished within the scope of millimeter-wave screening.

Thermodynamic Model of Afterburning in Explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuhl, A L; Howard, M; Fried, L

2003-04-23

Thermodynamic states encountered during afterburning of explosion products gases in air were analyzed with the Cheetah code. Results are displayed in the form of Le Chatelier diagrams: the locus of states of specific internal energy versus temperature, for six different condensed explosives charges. Accuracy of the results was confirmed by comparing the fuel and products curves with the heats of detonation and combustion, and species composition as measured in bomb calorimeter experiments. Results were fit with analytic functions u = f ( T ) suitable for specifying the thermodynamic properties required for gas-dynamic models of afterburning in explosions.

Defence Capability Plan 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

components or systems to prevent the unauthorised opening of the system, access to the internal workings or Intellectual Property . > Armoured vehicles. This...This is the ability to repair specialist alloys and composite materials, to develop new repair techniques and to undertake precision machining of...Selected ballistic munitions and explosives. This capability relates to the manufacture of some high usage munitions, ammunition components

Sensor Feasibility Report: Survey of the Capabilities and Limitations of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Sensor Technologies Relevant to Vehicle Inspection Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

Nitro Compounds High Grade Military TNT – 99% 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and trace amounts of 2,4-DNT (Nitroaromatic) Picric Acid Nitrate Esters...tetrazacyclooctane) Salts of Inorganic Acids Ammonium Nitrate Organic Peroxides TATP triacetone-triperoxide Mixtures Dynamites Composition B

Air Blast Calculations

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

composition C-4 (C4), a polymer-bonded explosive (PBXN-109), and nitromethane (NM). Each charge diameter (CD) is assumed to be 17.46 cm (equivalent to a 10-lb... explosive detonates, the rapid expansion of reaction gases generates a shock wave that propagates into the surrounding medium. The pressure history at a...spherical explosive charge suspended in air. A comparison of the results obtained using CTH are made to ones generated using the Friedlander

Detection and identification of explosive particles in fingerprints using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectromicroscopy.

PubMed

Mou, Yongyan; Rabalais, J Wayne

2009-07-01

The application of attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectromicroscopy for detection of explosive particles in fingerprints is described. The combined functions of ATR-FTIR spectromicroscopy are visual searching of particles in fingerprints and measuring the FTIR spectra of the particles. These functions make it possible to directly identify whether a suspect has handled explosives from the fingerprints alone. Particles in explosive contaminated fingerprints are either ingredients of the explosives, finger residues, or other foreign materials. These cannot normally be discriminated by their morphology alone. ATR-FTIR spectra can provide both particle morphology and composition. Fingerprints analyzed by ATR-FTIR can be used for further analysis and identification because of its non-destructive character. Fingerprints contaminated with three different types of explosives, or potential explosives, have been analyzed herein. An infrared spectral library was searched in order to identify the explosive residues. The acquired spectra are compared to those of finger residue alone, in order to differentiate such residue from explosive residue.

Explosive Cyclogenesis Over the Eastern United States.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, Bruce Calvin

Cases of explosive cyclogenesis occurring over the east central United States are identified and analyzed. Other selected cases of weak or nonintensifying cyclones over the same area are identified and studied for comparative purposes. Signatures of explosively deepening cyclones (bombs) are derived from the analyses, including vertical profiles of vorticity, divergence, and latent heating, and also the relative importance of terms in the vorticity tendency equation and the relative importance of convective and stable latent heating. Composite analyses for the differing phases of bomb development and for regular cyclones are presented. Analyses of individual cases reveal the importance of a low-level jet streak, low-level moisture content, and moisture gradients in the lower troposphere. A numerical model is used to further examine the important processes in explosive cyclogenesis. A mesoscale feature is introduced to improve the prediction of sea -level pressure. This feature is based on the tendency of the large scale height field and vorticity field to adjust concurrently at each time step. The model is also used to provide air parcel trajectories to indicate the importance of parcels with high vorticity and moisture content as an ingredient in explosive cyclogenesis. Sensitivity studies are carried out with the model in order to determine the effect of changes in the initial vorticity and moisture field on cyclogenesis.

The velocity and composition of supernova ejecta

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colgate, S. A.

1971-01-01

In case of the Gum nebula, a pulsar - a presumed neutron star - is believed to be a relic of the supernova explosion. Regardless of the mechanism of the explosion, the velocity distribution and composition of the ejected matter will be roughly the same. The reimploding mass fraction is presumed to be neutron rich. The final composition is thought to be roughly 1/3 iron and 2/3 silicon, with many small fractions of elements from helium to iron. The termination of helium shell burning occurs because the shell is expanded and cooled by radiation stress. The mass fraction of the helium burning shell was calculated.

Quantum Dot and Polymer Composite Cross-Reactive Array for Chemical Vapor Detection.

PubMed

Bright, Collin J; Nallon, Eric C; Polcha, Michael P; Schnee, Vincent P

2015-12-15

A cross-reactive chemical sensing array was made from CdSe Quantum Dots (QDs) and five different organic polymers by inkjet printing to create segmented fluorescent composite regions on quartz substrates. The sensor array was challenged with exposures from two sets of analytes, including one set of 14 different functionalized benzenes and one set of 14 compounds related to security concerns, including the explosives trinitrotoluene (TNT) and ammonium nitrate. The array was broadly responsive to analytes with different chemical functionalities due to the multiple sensing mechanisms that altered the QDs' fluorescence. The sensor array displayed excellent discrimination between members within both sets. Classification accuracy of more than 93% was achieved, including the complete discrimination of very similar dinitrobenzene isomers and three halogenated, substituted benzene compounds. The simple fabrication, broad responsivity, and high discrimination capacity of this type of cross-reactive array are ideal qualities for the development of sensors with excellent sensitivity to chemical and explosive threats while maintaining low false alarm rates.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic of Ni/ABS nanocomposites by electrical explosion of wire in liquid and solution blending methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thuyet-Nguyen, Minh; Hai-Nguyen, Hong; Kim, Won Joo; Kim, Ho Yoon; Kim, Jin-Chun

2017-03-01

Nanomaterials have attracted great attention from chemists, physicists and materials scientists because of their application benefits and special properties. Thermoplastics have been used in many applications such as molding of non-electrical components, conducting, magnetic field and 3D printing. Nanocomposites are known as a material which blends the best properties of components, a high performance material exhibits unusual property combinations and unique design possibilities. In this research, we focused to investigate and report primary results in the synthesis of magnetic nanocomposites based on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which are useful and important thermoplastics. Nickel nanopowder was prepared by electrical explosion of wire in a liquid were used as magnetic component. The composites were prepared by following steps, first the obtained Ni nanopowders were incorporated into the ABS matrix via a solution blending method (drop-casting), and then the solvent was evaporated. The characterizations of obtaining composites were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer.

Characterization of detonation soot produced during steady and overdriven conditions for three high explosive formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesak, David W.; Huber, Rachel C.; Amato, Ronald S.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.; Firestone, Millicent A.; Gustavsen, Richard L.; Johnson, Carl E.; Mang, Joseph T.; Ringstrand, Bryan S.

2017-01-01

The detonation of high explosives (HE) produces a dense fluid of molecular gases and solid carbon. The solid detonation carbon contains various carbon allotropes such as detonation nanodiamonds, onion-like carbon, graphite and amorphous carbon, with the formation of the different forms dependent upon pressure, temperature and the environmental conditions of the detonation. We have collected solid carbon residues from controlled detonations of three HE formulations (Composition B-3, PBX 9501, and PBX 9502). Soot was collected from experiments designed to produce both steady and overdriven conditions, and from detonations in both an ambient (air) atmosphere and in an inert Ar atmosphere. Differences in solid carbon residues were quantified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and carbon isotope measurements. Environmental conditions, HE formulation, and peak pressures influenced the amount of and isotopic composition of the carbon in the soot. Detonations in an Ar atmosphere produced greater amounts of carbon soot with lower δ13C values than those in ambient air. Therefore, solid carbon residues continued to evolve after detonation due to excess oxygen in the ambient air detonations. As well, higher peak pressures in overdriven conditions produced less carbon soot with, in general, higher δ13C values. Consequently, while overdriven conditions only produced peak pressures for a limited duration, it was enough to influence the composition of the solid carbon residues.

Optimization of biological and instrumental detection of explosives and ignitable liquid residues including canines, SPME/ITMS and GC/MSn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furton, Kenneth G.; Harper, Ross J.; Perr, Jeannette M.; Almirall, Jose R.

2003-09-01

A comprehensive study and comparison is underway using biological detectors and instrumental methods for the rapid detection of ignitable liquid residues (ILR) and high explosives. Headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) has been demonstrated to be an effective sampling method helping to identify active odor signature chemicals used by detector dogs to locate forensic specimens as well as a rapid pre-concentration technique prior to instrumental detection. Common ignitable liquids and common military and industrial explosives have been studied including trinitrotoluene, tetryl, RDX, HMX, EGDN, PETN and nitroglycerine. This study focuses on identifying volatile odor signature chemicals present, which can be used to enhance the level and reliability of detection of ILR and explosives by canines and instrumental methods. While most instrumental methods currently in use focus on particles and on parent organic compounds, which are often involatile, characteristic volatile organics are generally also present and can be exploited to enhance detection particularly for well-concealed devices. Specific examples include the volatile odor chemicals 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and cyclohexanone, which are readily available in the headspace of the high explosive composition C-4; whereas, the active chemical cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX) is not. The analysis and identification of these headspace 'fingerprint' organics is followed by double-blind dog trials of the individual components using certified teams in an attempt to isolate and understand the target compounds to which dogs are sensitive. Studies to compare commonly used training aids with the actual target explosive have also been undertaken to determine their suitability and effectiveness. The optimization of solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with ion trap mobility spectrometry (ITMS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (GC/MSn) is detailed including interface development and comparisons of limits of detection. These instrumental methods are being optimized in order to detect the same target odor chemicals used by detector dogs to reliably locate explosives and ignitable liquids.

Dissolution and sorption of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) residues from detonated mineral surfaces.

PubMed

Jaramillo, Ashley M; Douglas, Thomas A; Walsh, Marianne E; Trainor, Thomas P

2011-08-01

Composition B (Comp B) is a commonly used military formulation composed of the toxic explosive compounds 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). Numerous studies of the temporal fate of explosive compounds in soils, surface water and laboratory batch reactors have been conducted. However, most of these investigations relied on the application of explosive compounds to the media via aqueous addition and thus these studies do not provide information on the real world loading of explosive residues during detonation events. To address this we investigated the dissolution and sorption of TNT and RDX from Comp B residues loaded to pure mineral phases through controlled detonation. Mineral phases included nontronite, vermiculite, biotite and Ottawa sand (quartz with minor calcite). High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the dissolution and sorption of TNT and RDX residues loaded onto the mineral surfaces. Detonation resulted in heterogeneous loading of TNT and RDX onto the mineral surfaces. Explosive compound residues dissolved rapidly (within 9 h) in all samples but maximum concentrations for TNT and RDX were not consistent over time due to precipitation from solution, sorption onto mineral surfaces, and/or chemical reactions between explosive compounds and mineral surfaces. We provide a conceptual model of the physical and chemical processes governing the fate of explosive compound residues in soil minerals controlled by sorption-desorption processes. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Fate dynamics of environmentally exposed explosive traces.

PubMed

Kunz, Roderick R; Gregory, Kerin E; Aernecke, Matthew J; Clark, Michelle L; Ostrinskaya, Alla; Fountain, Augustus W

2012-04-12

The chemical and physical fates of trace amounts (<50 μg) of explosives containing 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were determined for the purpose of informing the capabilities of tactical trace explosive detection systems. From these measurements, it was found that the mass decreases and the chemical composition changes on a time scale of hours, with the loss mechanism due to a combination of sublimation and photodegradation. The rates for these processes were dependent on the explosive composition, as well as on both the ambient temperature and the size distribution of the explosive particulates. From these results, a persistence model was developed and applied to model the time dependence of both the mass and areal coverage of the fingerprints, resulting in a predictive capability for determining fingerprint fate. Chemical analysis confirmed that sublimation rates for TNT were depressed by UV (330-400 nm) exposure due to photochemically driven increases in the molecular weight, whereas the opposite was observed for RDX. No changes were observed for PETN upon exposure to UV radiation, and this was attributed to its low UV absorbance.

Method for the decontamination of soil containing solid organic explosives therein

DOEpatents

Radtke, Corey W.; Roberto, Francisco F.

2000-01-01

An efficient method for decontaminating soil containing organic explosives ("TNT" and others) in the form of solid portions or chunks which are not ordinarily subject to effective bacterial degradation. The contaminated soil is treated by delivering an organic solvent to the soil which is capable of dissolving the explosives. This process makes the explosives more bioavailable to natural bacteria in the soil which can decompose the explosives. An organic nutrient composition is also preferably added to facilitate decomposition and yield a compost product. After dissolution, the explosives are allowed to remain in the soil until they are decomposed by the bacteria. Decomposition occurs directly in the soil which avoids the need to remove both the explosives and the solvents (which either evaporate or are decomposed by the bacteria). Decomposition is directly facilitated by the solvent pre-treatment process described above which enables rapid bacterial remediation of the soil.

Compact chemical energy system for seismic applications

DOEpatents

Engelke, Raymond P.; Hedges, Robert O.; Kammerman, Alan B.; Albright, James N.

1998-01-01

A chemical energy system is formed for producing detonations in a confined environment. An explosive mixture is formed from nitromethane (NM) and diethylenetriamine (DETA). A slapper detonator is arranged adjacent to the explosive mixture to initiate detonation of the mixture. NM and DETA are not classified as explosives when handled separately and can be safely transported and handled by workers in the field. In one aspect of the present invention, the chemicals are mixed at a location where an explosion is to occur. For application in a confined environment, the chemicals are mixed in an inflatable container to minimize storage space until it is desired to initiate an explosion. To enable an inflatable container to be used, at least 2.5 wt % DETA is used in the explosive mixture. A barrier is utilized that is formed of a carbon composite material to provide the appropriate barrel geometry and energy transmission to the explosive mixture from the slapper detonator system.

Low vulnerability explosives (LOVEX) for mass-use warheads

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pruneda, C.; Jessop, E.; McGuire, R.

1990-03-13

There is an ongoing effort at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop explosives with a significantly lower vulnerability to battlefield environments (bullets, fragments, sympathetic detonation) than current explosives (TNT and Comp B) without sacrificing performance or increasing costs. The approach taken is to develop a composite explosive which is comprised of inexpensive fillers such as RDX, NaNO{sub 3}, Al and a low modulus binder system. The binder system uses nitroglycerin/triacetin as an energetic plasticizer. This paper discusses the experimental results to date in vulnerability, performance and processing. 7 refs., 8 figs., 6 tabs.

Preparation of 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole. [1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole

DOEpatents

Lee, K.Y.

1985-03-05

A new high density composition of matter, 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole, has been synthesized using inexpensive, commonly available compounds. This compound has been found to be an explosive, and its use as a propellant is anticipated. 1 fig., 1 tab.

Conduit Wall Failure as a Trigger for Transition From Strombolian to Phreatomagmatic Explosive Activity in the Cova de Paúl Crater Eruption on Santo Antão, Cape Verde Islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarff, R. W.; Day, S. J.

2011-12-01

Episodes of hazardous phreatomagmatic explosive activity, including Surtseyan activity, occur within otherwise less dangerous effusive to mildly explosive magmatic eruptions at high-elevation vents on many oceanic island volcanoes. The water driving these explosions is sourced from freshwater aquifers within the volcanic edifices. Understanding volcanic and geophysical precursors to, and mechanisms of, the (frequently abrupt) transitions to explosive activity is required as a basis for effective warning and mitigation of the resulting hazards. Here we describe near-vent deposits around the large Cova de Paúl crater on the island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde Islands, which provide some insights into a transition from mild magmatic to violently explosive phreatomagmatic activity in one such eruption. This pre-historic but well-preserved crater formed in a single eruption that produced extensive low-temperature, lithic-rich phreatomagmatic pyroclastic flows and surge deposits; these are interbedded in proximal outcrops with airfall breccia and ash beds containing varying proportions of lithic and juvenile clasts, pointing to a series of climactic explosions within an extended period of milder explosive activity of broadly Surtseyan type. Prior to the transition to phreatomagmatic activity, the eruption had been characterized by mild Strombolian activity that produced scoria and spatter deposits of broadly tephritic composition. The Strombolian deposits contain a distinct population of strongly banded, low-vesicularity angular clasts with strongly prolate vesicles and a notably glassy appearance. These became markedly larger and more abundant just below the transition to the phreatomagmatic deposits. Comparisons of these clasts with the Strombolian scoria suggest that they are fragments of flow-banded chilled margins from the walls of the eruptive conduit. Thermal shattering of these margins to produce the angular glassy clasts may record the onset of groundwater flow into the conduit, leading to the phreatomagmatic explosive phase of the eruption. Fragmentation of the conduit wall and ingress of groundwater would likely have been accompanied by seismic swarms consisting of high-frequency fracture events and episodes of harmonic tremor, pointing to a potential geophysical signature of the onset of phreatomagmatic explosive activity in comparable future eruptions on Santo Antão and other oceanic islands.

Visible-Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer Data of Explosion Craters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farr, T. G.

2005-01-01

In a continuing study to capture a realistic terrain applicable to studies of cratering processes and landing hazards on Mars, we have obtained new high resolution visible-near infrared images of several explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site. We used the Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to obtain images in 224 spectral bands from 0.4-2.5 microns [1]. The main craters that were imaged were Sedan, Scooter, Schooner, Buggy, and Danny Boy [2]. The 390 m diameter Sedan crater, located on Yucca Flat, is the largest and freshest explosion crater on Earth that was formed under conditions similar to hypervelocity impact cratering. As such, it is effectively pristine, having been formed in 1962 as a result of the detonation of a 104 kiloton thermonuclear device, buried at the appropriate equivalent depth of burst required to make a "simple" crater [2]. Sedan was formed in alluvium of mixed lithology [3] and subsequently studied using a variety of field-based methods. Nearby secondary craters were also formed at the time and were also imaged by AVIRIS. Adjacent to Sedan and also in alluvium is Scooter, about 90 m in diameter and formed by a high-explosive event. Schooner (240 m) and Danny Boy (80 m, Fig. 1) craters were also important targets for AVIRIS as they were excavated in hard welded tuff and basaltic andesite, respectively [3, 4]. This variation in targets will allow the study of ejecta patterns, compositional modifications due to the explosions, and the role of craters as subsurface probes.

Temperature and pressure influence on explosion pressures of closed vessel propane-air deflagrations.

PubMed

Razus, Domnina; Brinzea, Venera; Mitu, Maria; Oancea, Dumitru

2010-02-15

An experimental study on pressure evolution during closed vessel explosions of propane-air mixtures was performed, for systems with various initial concentrations and pressures ([C(3)H(8)]=2.50-6.20 vol.%, p(0)=0.3-1.2 bar). The explosion pressures and explosion times were measured in a spherical vessel (Phi=10 cm), at various initial temperatures (T(0)=298-423 K) and in a cylindrical vessel (Phi=10 cm; h=15 cm), at ambient initial temperature. The experimental values of explosion pressures are examined against literature values and compared to adiabatic explosion pressures, computed by assuming chemical equilibrium within the flame front. The influence of initial pressure, initial temperature and fuel concentration on explosion pressures and explosion times are discussed. At constant temperature and fuel/oxygen ratio, the explosion pressures are linear functions of total initial pressure, as reported for other fuel-air mixtures. At constant initial pressure and composition, both the measured and calculated (adiabatic) explosion pressures are linear functions of reciprocal value of initial temperature. Such correlations are extremely useful for predicting the explosion pressures of flammable mixtures at elevated temperatures and/or pressures, when direct measurements are not available.

Age and whole rock glass compositions of proximal pyroclastics from the major explosive eruptions of Somma-Vesuvius: A review as a tool for distal tephrostratigraphy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santacroce, Roberto; Cioni, Raffaello; Marianelli, Paola; Sbrana, Alessandro; Sulpizio, Roberto; Zanchetta, Giovanni; Donahue, Douglas J.; Joron, Jean Louis

2008-10-01

A review of compositional data of the major explosive eruptions of Vesuvius is presented, comparing compositions (major elements) of whole rock with glass shards from the proximal deposits, hopefully useful for long-distance correlation. A critical review of published and new geochronological data is also provided. All available 14C ages are calibrated to give calendar ages useful for the reconstruction of the volcanological evolution of the volcanic complex. The pyroclastic deposits of the four major Plinian eruptions (22,000 yr cal BP "Pomici di Base", 8900 yr cal BP "Mercato Pumice", 4300 yr cal BP "Avellino Pumice", and A.D. 79 "Pompeii Pumice") are widely dispersed and allow a four-folded, Plinian to Plinian, stratigraphic division: 1. B-M (between Pomici di Base and Mercato); 2. M-A (between Mercato and Avellino); 3. A-P (between Avellino and Pompeii); 4. P-XX (from the Pompeii Pumice to the last erupted products of the XXth century). Within each interval, the age, lithologic and compositional features of pyroclastic deposits of major eruptions, potentially useful for tephrostratigraphic purposes on distal areas, are briefly discussed. The Vesuvius rocks are mostly high Potassic products, widely variable in terms of their silica saturation. They form three groups, different for both composition and age: 1. slightly undersaturated, older than Mercato eruption; 2. mildly undersaturated, from Mercato to Pompeii eruptions; 3. highly undersaturated, younger than Pompeii eruption. For whole rock analyses, the peculiar variations in contents of some major and trace elements as well as different trends in element/element ratios, allow a clear, unequivocal, easy diagnosis of the group they belong. Glass analyses show large compositional overlap between different groups, but selected element vs. element plots are distinctive for the three groups. The comparative analysis of glass and whole rock major element compositions provides reliable geochemical criteria helping in the recognition, frequently not obvious, of distal products from the different single eruptions.

Ash Features from Present-day Activity at Stromboli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannata, Chiara; Taddeucci, Jacopo; Lautze, Nicole; de Rosa, Rosanna; Donato, Paola; Scarlato, Piergiorgio

2010-05-01

The present-day explosive activity at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) is characterized by a relatively large variability of eruptive styles on a relatively small temporal and spatial scale. Despite volcanic ash is a common product of this explosive activity, few studies have been conducted so far on ash of Stromboli and in particular on the products of individual explosions. Here we focus on micro-scale textural observations of ash particles erupted from a number of different vents during three sampling campaigns. Component analysis under the binocular microscope reveal that ash from present-day activity at Stromboli is dominated by two main end-members of fragments with a wide variability of color and degree of surface alteration: blocky and dark, fragments (i.e. tachylite) and glassy, highly vesiculated and fluidal fragments (i.e. sideromelane). In addition, individual phenocrysts or composite fragments (crystals plus tachylite or sideromelane) and rare, highly altered accessory lithic fragments are also present. Thin section investigation show that tachylite has micro- to crypto-crystalline groundmass, while sideromelane is partially or totally glassy. Component and modal analyses reveal that, in the sampling period, sideromelane is the most abundant component only in one vent while the other vents erupted mainly tachylite-rich ash. The morphology, micro-textures and chemical composition of particles surface were also analyzed using a Field Emission SEM equipped with EDS. In general, particle morphology and surface chemistry poorly discriminates between the different samples, while tachylite particles show a higher compactness, lower elongation, and more extensive overgrowth of secondary phases (mainly gypsum, sulphate and halide salts) in respect with sideromelane ones.

Minutes of the Explosives Safety Seminar (19th) Held at Los Angeles, California, 9-10-11 September 1980. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

DOUBLE-BASE EXTRUSION COMPOSITIONS ................................... 89 Messrs. Craig E. Johnson and Paul F. Dendor V I GUN PROPELLANT PROPAGATION IN...Mullins and C. F. Baker RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF STRENGTHENED STEEL BUILDING BLAST TESTS ..... 165 Messrs. Frederic E. Sock, Norval Dobbs, Paul Price and...347 Mr. J. Paul Glenn I viLR SESSION - EXPLOSION CONTAIMENT & VENTING Moderator - Mr. Irving Forsten EXPLOSION CONTAINMENT VESSELS AND M4TERIALS

"Fooling fido"--chemical and behavioral studies of pseudo-explosive canine training aids.

PubMed

Kranz, William D; Strange, Nicholas A; Goodpaster, John V

2014-12-01

Genuine explosive materials are traditionally employed in the training and testing of explosive-detecting canines so that they will respond reliably to these substances. However, challenges arising from the acquisition, storage, handling, and transportation of explosives have given rise to the development of "pseudo-explosive" training aids. These products attempt to emulate the odor of real explosives while remaining inert. Therefore, a canine trained on a pseudo-explosive should respond to its real-life analog. Similarly, a canine trained on an actual explosive should respond to the pseudo-explosive as if it was real. This research tested those assumptions with a focus on three explosives: single-base smokeless powder, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and a RDX-based plastic explosive (Composition C-4). Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with solid phase microextraction as a pre-concentration technique, we determined that the volatile compounds given off by pseudo-explosive products consisted of various solvents, known additives from explosive formulations, and common impurities present in authentic explosives. For example, simulated smokeless powders emitted terpenes, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite. Simulated TNT products emitted 2,4- and 2,6-dinitrotoluene. Simulated C-4 products emitted cyclohexanone, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, and dimethyldinitrobutane. We also conducted tests to determine whether canines trained on pseudo-explosives are capable of alerting to genuine explosives and vice versa. The results show that canines trained on pseudo-explosives performed poorly at detecting all but the pseudo-explosives they are trained on. Similarly, canines trained on actual explosives performed poorly at detecting all but the actual explosives on which they were trained.

Effect of shock pressure on the structure and superconducting properties of Y-Ba-Cu-O in explosively fabricated bulk metal-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murr, L. E.; Niou, C. S.; Pradhan-Advani, M.

1991-01-01

While it is now well established that copper-oxide-based power, or virtually any other ceramic superconductor powder, can be consolidated and encapsulated within a metal matrix by explosive consolidation, the erratic superconductivity following fabrication has posed a major problem for bulk applications. The nature of this behavior was found to arise from microstructural damage created in the shock wave front, and the residual degradation in superconductivity was demonstrated to be directly related to the peak shock pressure. The explosively fabricated or shock loaded YBa2Cu3Ox examples exhibit drastically altered rho (or R) - T curves. The deterioration in superconductivity is even more noticeable in the measurement of ac magnetic susceptibility and flux exclusion or shielding fraction which is also reduced in proportion to increasing peak shock pressure. The high frequency surface resistance (in the GHz range) is also correspondingly compromised in explosively fabricated, bulk metal-matrix composites based on YBa2Cu3O7. Transmission electron microscopy (including lattice imaging techniques) is being applied in an effort to elucidate the fundamental (microstructural) nature of the shock-induced degradation of superconductivity and normal state conductivity. One focus of TEM observations has assumed that oxygen displaced from b-chains rather than oxygen-vacancy disorder in the basal plane of oxygen deficient YBa2Cu3Ox may be a prime mechanism. Shock-wave displaced oxygen may also be locked into new positions or interstitial clusters or chemically bound to displaced metal (possibly copper) atoms to form precipitates, or such displacements may cause the equivalent of local lattice cell changes as a result of stoichiometric changes. While the shock-induced suppression of T(sub c) is not desirable in the explosive fabrication of bulk metal-matrix superconductors, it may be turned into an advantage if the atomic-scale distortion can be understood and controlled as local flux pinning sites.

Effect of shock pressure on the structure and superconducting properties of Y-Ba-Cu-O in explosively fabricated bulk metal-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murr, L. E.; Niou, C. S.; Pradhan, M.; Schoenlein, L. H.

1990-01-01

While it is now well established that copper-oxide-based powder, or virtually any other ceramic superconductor powder, can be consolidated and encapsulated within a metal matrix by explosive consolidation, the erratic superconductivity following fabrication has posed a major problem for bulk applications. The nature of this behavior was found to arise from microstructural damage created in the shock wave front, and the residual degradation in superconductivity was demonstrated to be directly related to the peak shock pressure. The explosively fabricated or shock loaded YBa2Cu3Ox examples exhibit drastically altered rho (or R) - T curves. The deterioration in superconductivity is even more noticeable in the measurement of ac magnetic susceptibility and flux exclusion or shielding fraction which is also reduced in proportion to increasing peak shock pressure. The high-frequency surface resistance (in the GHz range) is also correspondingly compromised in explosively fabricated, bulk metal-matrix composites based on YBa2Cu3O7. Transmission electron microscopy (including lattice imaging techniques) is being applied in an effort to elucidate the fundamental (microstructural) nature of the shock-induced degradation of superconductivity and normal state conductivity. One focus of TEM observations has assumed that oxygen displaced from b-chains rather than oxygen-vacancy disorder in the basal plane of oxygen deficient YBa2Cu3Ox may be a prime mechanism. Shock-wave displaced oxygen may also be locked into new positions or interstitial clusters or chemically bound to displaced metal (possibly copper) atoms to form precipitates, or such displacements may cause the equivalent of local lattice cell changes as a result of stoichiometric changes. While the shock-induced suppression of T(sub c) is not desirable in the explosive fabrication of bulk metal-matrix superconductors, it may be turned into an advantage if the atomic-scale distortion can be understood and controlled as local flux pinning sites.

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Explosion Welded Bimetal Kh20N80 + AD1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shmorgun, V. G.; Arisova, V. N.; Slautin, O. V.; Taube, A. O.; Bakuntseva, V. M.

2017-05-01

Results of a study of the effect of heat treatment on the microhardness, structure and phase composition of diffusion zone in explosion-welded `refractory nickel alloy Kh20N80 + aluminum alloy AD1' bimetal are presented.

77 FR 57593 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Furnishing of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-18

... import explosive materials or ammonium nitrate must, when required by the Director, furnish samples of such explosive materials or ammonium nitrate; information on chemical composition of those products... ammonium nitrate. (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for...

Synthesis and characterization of surrogate nuclear explosion debris: urban glass matrix

DOE PAGES

Campbell, Keri; Judge, Elizabeth J.; Dirmyer, Matthew R.; ...

2017-07-26

Surrogate nuclear explosive debris was synthesized and characterized for major, minor, and trace elemental composition as well as uranium isotopics. The samples consisted of an urban glass matrix, equal masses soda lime and cement, doped with 500 ppm uranium with varying enrichments. The surface and cross section morphology were measured with SEM, and the major elemental composition was determined by XPS. LA-ICP-MS was used to measure the uranium isotopic abundance comparing different sampling techniques. Furthermore, the results provide an example of the utility of LA-ICP-MS for forensics applications.

Explosive activity associated with the growth of volcanic domes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Newhall, C.G.; Melson, W.G.

1983-01-01

Domes offer unique opportunities to measure or infer the characteristics of magmas that, at domes and elsewhere, control explosive activity. A review of explosive activity associated with historical dome growth shows that: 1. (1) explosive activity has occurred in close association with nearly all historical dome growth; 2. (2) whole-rock SiO2 content, a crude but widely reported indicator of magma viscosity, shows no systematic relationship to the timing and character of explosions; 3. (3) the average rate of dome growth, a crude indicator of the rate of supply of magma and volatiles to the near-surface enviornment, shows no systematic relationship to the timing or character of explosions; and 4. (4) new studies at Arenal and Mount St. Helens suggest that water content is the dominant control on explosions from water-rich magmas, whereas the crystal content and composition of the interstitial melt (and hence magma viscosity) are equally or more important controls on explosions from water-poor magmas. New efforts should be made to improve current, rather limited techniques for monitoring pre-eruption volatile content and magma viscosity, and thus the explosive potential of magmas. ?? 1983.

Synthesis and Characterization of Diglycerol Tetranitrate (DGTN)—An Energetic Plasticizer for Use in Explosive and Propellant Formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straessler, Nicholas; Lee, Manfai

2017-01-01

Diglycerol was nitrated using mixed acid conditions to give diglycerol tetranitrate and related coproducts. The product mixture was extracted in situ with methylene chloride and analyzed by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Results showed that the product mixture was a combination of two isomers of diglycerol tetranitrate, triglycerol pentanitrate, cyclotriglycerol trinitrate, and diglycerol trinitrate. The mixture of products is explained by the composition of the starting material and by associated side reactions that occur during nitration. This synthesis and analytical data will aid in better understanding diglycerol tetranitrate as a plasticizer in explosive and propellant formulations.

Spectra of Cas A's Highest Velocity Ejecta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fesen, Robert A.; Milisavljevic, Dan

2010-08-01

The young age and close distance of the Galactic supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A) make it perhaps our best case study and clearest look at the explosion dynamics of a core-collapse supernova (CCSN). Interestingly, Cas A exhibits two nearly opposing streams of high velocity ejecta or `jets' in its NE and SW regions racing outward at speeds more than twice that of the main shell. The nature of these jets, however, and their possible association with an aspherical supernova explosion mechanism is controversial. A handful of existing low-resolution spectra of outer knots in the NE jet display chemical abundances hinting at an origin from the S-Si-Ca- Ar rich layer deep inside the progenitor. If these abundances could be firmly established in both the NE and SW jets, it would be very strong evidence in support of a highly asymmetrical explosion engine for Cas A's progenitor and, in turn, for CCSNe in general. We request KPNO 4m telescope + MARS time to obtain high quality multi-object spectroscopy of Cas A's highest velocity ejecta to measure their nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, calcium, and argon abundances. These spectra will be analyzed with the metal-rich shock models of J. Raymond and then compared to current sets of CCSN models paying particular attention to knot composition vs. ejection velocity and ejecta mixing.

Sensitized Liquid Hydrazine Detonation Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rathgeber, K. A.; Keddy, C. P.; Bunker, R. L.

1999-01-01

Vapor-phase hydrazine (N2H4) is known to be very sensitive to detonation while liquid hydrazine is very insensitive to detonation, theoretically requiring extremely high pressures to induce initiation. A review of literature on solid and liquid explosives shows that when pure explosive substances are infiltrated with gas cavities, voids, and/or different phase contaminants, the energy or shock pressure necessary to induce detonation can decrease by an order of magnitude. Tests were conducted with liquid hydrazine in a modified card-gap configuration. Sensitization was attempted by bubbling helium gas through and/or suspending ceramic microspheres in the liquid. The hydrazine was subjected to the shock pressure from a 2 lb (0.9 kg) Composition C-4 explosive charge. The hydrazine was contained in a 4 in. (10.2 cm) diameter stainless steel cylinder with a 122 in(sup 3) (2 L) volume and sealed with a polyethylene cap. Blast pressures from the events were recorded by 63 high speed pressure transducers located on three radial legs extending from 4 to 115 ft (1.2 to 35.1 in) from ground zero. Comparison of the neat hydrazine and water baseline tests with the "sensitized" hydrazine tests indicates the liquid hydrazine did not detonate under these conditions.

Plasmonic enhanced terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system for identification of common explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demiraǧ, Yiǧit; Bütün, Bayram; Özbay, Ekmel

2017-05-01

In this study, we present a classification algorithm for terahertz time-domain spectroscopy systems (THz-TDS) that can be trained to identify most commonly used explosives (C4, HMX, RDX, PETN, TNT, composition-B and blackpowder) and some non-explosive samples (lactose, sucrose, PABA). Our procedure can be used in any THz-TDS system that detects either transmission or reflection spectra at room conditions. After preprocessing the signal in low THz regime (0.1 - 3 THz), our algorithm takes advantages of a latent space transformation based on principle component analysis in order to classify explosives with low false alarm rate.

Optically detonated explosive device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, L. C.; Menichelli, V. J. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A technique and apparatus for optically detonating insensitive high explosives, is disclosed. An explosive device is formed by containing high explosive material in a house having a transparent window. A thin metallic film is provided on the interior surface of the window and maintained in contact with the high explosive. A laser pulse provided by a Q-switched laser is focussed on the window to vaporize the metallic film and thereby create a shock wave which detonates the high explosive. Explosive devices may be concurrently or sequentially detonated by employing a fiber optic bundle to transmit the laser pulse to each of the several individual explosive devices.

New directions in the science and technology of advanced sheet explosive formulations and the key energetic materials used in the processing of sheet explosives: Emerging trends.

PubMed

Talawar, M B; Jangid, S K; Nath, T; Sinha, R K; Asthana, S N

2015-12-30

This review presents the work carried out by the international community in the area of sheet explosive formulations and its applications in various systems. The sheet explosive is also named as PBXs and is a composite material in which solid explosive particles like RDX, HMX or PETN are dispersed in a polymeric matrix, forms a flexible material that can be rolled/cut into sheet form which can be applied to any complex contour. The designed sheet explosive must possess characteristic properties such as flexible, cuttable, water proof, easily initiable, and safe handling. The sheet explosives are being used for protecting tanks (ERA), light combat vehicle and futuristic infantry carrier vehicle from different attacking war heads etc. Besides, sheet explosives find wide applications in demolition of bridges, ships, cutting and metal cladding. This review also covers the aspects such as risks and hazard analysis during the processing of sheet explosive formulations, effect of ageing on sheet explosives, detection and analysis of sheet explosive ingredients and the R&D efforts of Indian researchers in the development of sheet explosive formulations. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no review article published in the literature in the area of sheet explosives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Study and Fractal Analysis on the Anisotropic Performance of Explosively Welded Interfaces of 304 Stainless Steel/245 Carbon Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yanshu; Qiu, Yaohui; Li, Yulong

2018-03-01

The mechanical anisotropy of an explosive welding composite plate made of 304 stainless steel/245 steel was studied through shear experiments performed on explosively welded wavy interfaces along several orientation angles. The results indicated that the strength and the fracture energy of samples significantly varied with the orientation angles. The fracture surfaces of all samples were observed using a scanning electron microscope and through three-dimensional structure microscopy. The periodic features of all the fracture surfaces were clearly shown in different fracture modes. The fractal dimension of the fracture surfaces was calculated based on the fractal geometry by the box-counting method in MATLAB. The cohesive element model was used to analyze the fracture energy according to the physical dependence of the fractal dimension on thermodynamic entropy and interface separation energy. The fracture energy was an exponential function of the fractal dimension value, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. All results were validated for effective use in the application of anisotropy analysis to the welded interface and structural optimization of explosively welded composite plates.

Experimental Study and Fractal Analysis on the Anisotropic Performance of Explosively Welded Interfaces of 304 Stainless Steel/245 Carbon Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yanshu; Qiu, Yaohui; Li, Yulong

2018-05-01

The mechanical anisotropy of an explosive welding composite plate made of 304 stainless steel/245 steel was studied through shear experiments performed on explosively welded wavy interfaces along several orientation angles. The results indicated that the strength and the fracture energy of samples significantly varied with the orientation angles. The fracture surfaces of all samples were observed using a scanning electron microscope and through three-dimensional structure microscopy. The periodic features of all the fracture surfaces were clearly shown in different fracture modes. The fractal dimension of the fracture surfaces was calculated based on the fractal geometry by the box-counting method in MATLAB. The cohesive element model was used to analyze the fracture energy according to the physical dependence of the fractal dimension on thermodynamic entropy and interface separation energy. The fracture energy was an exponential function of the fractal dimension value, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. All results were validated for effective use in the application of anisotropy analysis to the welded interface and structural optimization of explosively welded composite plates.

Mishap risk control for advanced aerospace/composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, John M.

1994-01-01

Although advanced aerospace materials and advanced composites provide outstanding performance, they also present several unique post-mishap environmental, safety, and health concerns. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on some of the unique hazards and concerns associated with these materials when damaged by fire, explosion, or high-energy impact. Additionally, recommended procedures and precautions are addressed as they pertain to all phases of a composite aircraft mishap response, including fire-fighting, investigation, recovery, clean-up, and guidelines are general in nature and not application-specific. The goal of this project is to provide factual and realistic information which can be used to develop consistent and effective procedures and policies to minimize the potential environmental, safety, and health impacts of a composite aircraft mishap response effort.

Investigation on the Interface Morphologies of Explosive Welding of Inconel 625 to Steel A516 Plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousavi, S. A. A. Akbari; Zareie, H. R.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study is to produce composite plates by explosive cladding process. This is a process in which the controlled energy of explosives is used to create a metallic bond between two similar or dissimilar materials. The welding conditions were tailored through parallel geometry route with different operational parameters. In this investigation, a two-pronged study was adopted to establish the conditions required for producing successful solid state welding: (a) Analytical calculations to determine the weldability domain or welding window; (b) Metallurgical investigations of explosive welding experiments carried out under different explosive ratios to produce both wavy and straight interfaces. The analytical calculations confirm the experimental results. Optical microscopy studies show that a transition from a smooth to wavy interface occurs with an increase in explosive ratio. SEM studies show that the interface was outlined by characteristic sharp transition between two materials.

Long-term changes in explosive and effusive behaviour at andesitic arc volcanoes: Chronostratigraphy of the Centre Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coussens, Maya; Cassidy, Michael; Watt, Sebastian F. L.; Jutzeler, Martin; Talling, Peter J.; Barfod, Dan; Gernon, Thomas M.; Taylor, Rex; Hatter, Stuart J.; Palmer, Martin R.; Montserrat Volcano Observatory

2017-03-01

Volcanism on Montserrat (Lesser Antilles arc) has migrated southwards since the formation of the Silver Hills 2.5 Ma, and has formed three successively active volcanic centres. The Centre Hills volcano was the focus of volcanism from 1-0.4 Ma, before activity commenced at the currently active Soufrière Hills volcano. The history of activity at these two volcanoes provides an opportunity to investigate the pattern of volcano behaviour on an andesitic arc island over the lifetime of individual volcanoes. Here, we describe the pyroclastic stratigraphy of subaerial exposures around central Montserrat; identifying 11 thick (> 1 m) pumiceous units derived from sustained explosive eruptions of Centre Hills from 0.8-0.4 Ma. Over 10 other, less well- exposed pumiceous units have also been identified. The pumice-rich units are interbedded with andesite lava breccias derived from effusive, dome-forming eruptions of Centre Hills. The stratigraphy indicates that large (up to magnitude 5) explosive eruptions occurred throughout the history of Centre Hills, alongside effusive activity. This behaviour at Centre Hills contrasts with Soufrière Hills, where deposits from sustained explosive eruptions are much less common and restricted to early stages of activity at the volcano, from 175-130 ka. Subsequent eruptions at Soufriere Hills have been dominated by andesitic effusive eruptions. The bulk composition, petrography and mineral chemistry of volcanic rocks from Centre Hills and Soufrière Hills are similar throughout the history of both volcanoes, except for occasional, transient departures to different magma compositions, which mark shifts in vent location or dominant eruption style. For example, the final recorded eruption of Centre Hills, before the initiation of activity at Soufrière Hills, was more silicic than any other identified eruption on Montserrat; and the basaltic South Soufrière Hills episode marked the transition to the current stage of predominantly effusive Soufrière Hills activity. The compositional stability observed throughout the history of Centre Hills and Soufrière Hills suggests that a predominance towards effusive or explosive eruption styles is not driven by major compositional shifts of magma, but may reflect local changes in long-term magma storage conditions that characterise individual episodes (on 105 year timescales) of volcanism on Montserrat. Supplementary Table 2: Complete XRF analyses for all analysed samples Supplementary Table 3: Complete ICP-MS analyses for all analysed samples. Supplementary Table 4: Plagioclase composition and precision data from SEM analysis Supplementary Table 5: Clinopyroxene composition and precision data from SEM analysis Supplementary Table 6: Orthopyroxene composition and precision data from SEM analysis Supplementary Table 7: Amphibole composition and precision data from SEM analysis Supplementary Table 8: Glass compositions from EMP analysis Supplementary Table 9: Standard Deviation of glass compositions from EMP analysis. Supplementary Table 10: Isotopic composition of argon from plagioclase crystals from select units. Data obtained using an ARGUS V multi-collector mass spectrometer.

Bayesian Integration and Classification of Composition C-4 Plastic Explosives Based on Time-of-Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Mahoney, Christine M; Kelly, Ryan T; Alexander, Liz; Newburn, Matt; Bader, Sydney; Ewing, Robert G; Fahey, Albert J; Atkinson, David A; Beagley, Nathaniel

2016-04-05

Time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) were used for characterization and identification of unique signatures from a series of 18 Composition C-4 plastic explosives. The samples were obtained from various commercial and military sources around the country. Positive and negative ion TOF-SIMS data were acquired directly from the C-4 residue on Si surfaces, where the positive ion mass spectra obtained were consistent with the major composition of organic additives, and the negative ion mass spectra were more consistent with explosive content in the C-4 samples. Each series of mass spectra was subjected to partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), a multivariate statistical analysis approach which serves to first find the areas of maximum variance within different classes of C-4 and subsequently to classify unknown samples based on correlations between the unknown data set and the original data set (often referred to as a training data set). This method was able to successfully classify test samples of C-4, though with a limited degree of certainty. The classification accuracy of the method was further improved by integrating the positive and negative ion data using a Bayesian approach. The TOF-SIMS data was combined with a second analytical method, LA-ICPMS, which was used to analyze elemental signatures in the C-4. The integrated data were able to classify test samples with a high degree of certainty. Results indicate that this Bayesian integrated approach constitutes a robust classification method that should be employable even in dirty samples collected in the field.

Visual detection of trace nitroaromatic explosive residue using photoluminescent metallole-containing polymers.

PubMed

Toal, Sarah J; Sanchez, Jason C; Dugan, Regina E; Trogler, William C

2007-01-01

The detection of trace explosives is important for forensic, military, and homeland security applications. Detection of widely used nitroaromatic explosives (trinitrotoluene [TNT], 2,4-dinitrotoluene [DNT], picric acid [PA]) was carried out using photoluminescent metallole-containing polymers. The method of detection is through the quenching of fluorescence of thin films of the polymer, prepared by spray coating organic solutions of the polymer, by the explosive analyte. Visual quenching of luminescence (lambda(em) approximately 400-510 nm) in the presence of the explosive is seen immediately upon illumination with near-UV light (lambda(ex)=360 nm). Detection limits were observed to be as low as 5 ng for TNT, 20 ng for DNT, and 5 ng for PA. In addition, experiments with normal production line explosives and their components show that this technology is also able to detect composition B, Pyrodex, and nitromethane. This method offers a convenient and sensitive method of detection of trace nitroaromatic explosive residue.

High altitude smoke in the NASA GISS GCM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Field, Robert; Luo, M.; Fromm, M.; Voulgarakis, A.; Mangeon, S.; Worden, J.

2015-01-01

High altitude smoke-plumes from large, explosive fires were discovered in the late 1990sThey can now be observed with unprecedented detail from space-borne instruments with high vertical resolution in the UTLS such as CALIOP, MLS and ACE. These events inject large quantities of pollutants into a relatively clean and dry environment They serve as unique natural experiments with which to understand, using chemical transport and composition-climate models, the chemical and radiative impacts of long-lived biomass burning emissions. We are currently studying the Black Saturday bushfires in Australia during February 2009

Evidence of a complex shallow reservoir network from micro-textural observations of the scoria products of the 1085 AD Sunset Crater eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfano, F.; Pioli, L.; Clarke, A. B.; Ort, M. H.; Roggensack, K.; Self, S.

2014-12-01

Sunset Crater volcano is the youngest scoria cone of the San Francisco Volcanic Field (SFVF). The >300-m-high Sunset Crater, located ~25 km northeast of Flagstaff, erupted about 1085 AD and is a remarkable example of a highly explosive basaltic eruption. The explosive activity produced a tephra sequence of at least eight main fall units associated with major explosive phases. The total cumulative volume is ~0.3 km3 DRE. The volume of individual fall units varies between 0.02 and 0.08 km3 DRE, and an associated column height was up to 20 km high. The products have uniform chemical composition (~47 wt.% SiO2), with phenocrysts of plagioclase, olivine and pyroxene that represent about the 6 vol% of the samples. Despite the uniform chemical and crystal-phase characteristics of the products, the textures are very heterogeneous. Two textural endmembers, intimately intermingled at the mm-scale within a single clast, were identified: one endmember (sideromelane) is characterized by higher vesicularity (~66%), with large regular sub-spherical vesicles (modal diameter 0.6 mm), a glass-rich groundmass (> 95 vol%) and evidence of post-fragmentation vesicle expansion; the second endmember texture (tachylite) is characterized by lower vesicularity (~32%), with small highly irregular vesicles (modal diameter 0.3 mm) that result in a higher vesicle number density than the sideromelane, and a groundmass rich in microcrysts (> 95 vol%), mainly Fe-oxides. Textural characteristics suggest interaction between magmas stored at different depths. The tachylitic texture is present in different proportions in the products of the different eruptive phases, while some small-scale variability seems to suggest variation in the crystallization conditions. However, given the uniform phenocryst composition, these small-scale variations are probably due to differences in the residence time rather than to different storage depths. As a result, our observations suggest the temporary storage of portions of the erupted magma in a complex fracture network or conduit system located at very shallow levels (and possibly within the cone) where the magma could degas and crystallize, producing the observed tachylitic texture. These processes also caused an increase in magma viscosity, likely enhancing eruption explosivity.

Cyclic Explosivity in High Elevation Phreatomagmatic Eruptions at Ocean Island Volcanoes: Implications for Aquifer Pressurization and Volcano Flank Destabilization.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarff, R.; Day, S. J.; Downes, H.; Seghedi, I.

2015-12-01

Groundwater heating and pressurization of aquifers trapped between dikes in ocean island volcanoes has been proposed as a mechanism for destabilizing and triggering large-volume flank collapses. Previous modelling has indicated that heat transfer from sustained magma flow through dikes during eruption has the potential to produce destabilizing levels of pressure on time scales of 4 to 400 days, if the aquifers remain confined. Here we revisit this proposal from a different perspective. We examine evidence for pressure variations in dike-confined aquifers during eruptions at high elevation vents on ocean island volcanoes. Initially magmatic, these eruptions change to mostly small-volume explosive phreatomagmatic activity. A recent example is the 1949 eruption on La Palma, Canary Islands. Some such eruptions involve sequences of larger-volume explosive phases or cycles, including production of voluminous low-temperature, pyroclastic density currents (PDC). Here we present and interpret data from the Cova de Paul crater eruption (Santo Antao, Cape Verde Islands). The phreatomagmatic part of this eruption formed two cycles, each culminating with eruption of PDCs. Compositional and textural variations in the products of both cycles indicate that the diatreme fill began as coarse-grained and permeable which allowed gas to escape. During the eruption, the fill evolved to a finer grained, poorly sorted, less permeable material, in which pore fluid pressures built up to produce violent explosive phases. This implies that aquifers adjacent to the feeder intrusion were not simply depressurized at the onset of phreatomagmatic explosivity but experienced fluctuations in pressure throughout the eruption as the vent repeatedly choked and emptied. In combination with fluctuations in magma supply rate, driving of aquifer pressurization by cyclical vent choking will further complicate the prediction of flank destabilization during comparable eruptions on ocean island volcanoes.

Reactive Blast Waves from Composite Charges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuhl, A L; Bell, J B; Beckner, V E

2009-10-16

Investigated here is the performance of composite explosives - measured in terms of the blast wave they drive into the surrounding environment. The composite charge configuration studied here was a spherical booster (1/3 charge mass), surrounded by aluminum (Al) powder (2/3 charge mass) at an initial density of {rho}{sub 0} = 0.604 g/cc. The Al powder acts as a fuel but does not detonate - thereby providing an extreme example of a 'non-ideal' explosive (where 2/3 of the charge does not detonate). Detonation of the booster charge creates a blast wave that disperses the Al powder and ignites the ensuingmore » Al-air mixture - thereby forming a two-phase combustion cloud embedded in the explosion. Afterburning of the booster detonation products with air also enhances and promotes the Al-air combustion process. Pressure waves from such reactive blast waves have been measured in bomb calorimeter experiments. Here we describe numerical simulations of those experiments. A Heterogeneous Continuum Model was used to model the dispersion and combustion of the Al particle cloud. It combines the gasdynamic conservation laws for the gas phase with a dilute continuum model for the dispersed phase, as formulated by Nigmatulin. Inter-phase mass, momentum and energy exchange are prescribed by phenomenological models of Khasainov. It incorporates a combustion model based on mass conservation laws for fuel, air and products; source/sink terms are treated in the fast-chemistry limit appropriate for such gasdynamic fields, along with a model for mass transfer from the particle phase to the gas. The model takes into account both the afterburning of the detonation products of the booster with air, and the combustion of the Al particles with air. The model equations were integrated by high-order Godunov schemes for both the gas and particle phases. Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) was used to capture the energy-bearing scales of the turbulent flow on the computational grid, and to track/resolve reaction zones. Numerical simulations of the explosion fields from 1.5-g and 10-kg composite charges were performed. Computed pressure histories (red curve) are compared with measured waveforms (black curves) in Fig. 1. Comparison of these results with a waveform for a non-combustion case in nitrogen (blue curve) demonstrates that a reactive blast wave was formed. Cross-sectional views of the temperature field at various times are presented in Fig. 2, which shows that the flow is turbulent. Initially, combustion occurs at the fuel-air interface, and the energy release rate is controlled by the rate of turbulent mixing. Eventually, oxidizer becomes distributed throughout the cloud via ballistic mixing of the particles with air; energy release then occurs in a distributed combustion mode, and Al particle kinetics controls the energy release rate. Details of the Heterogeneous Continuum Model and results of the numerical simulations of composite charge explosions will be described in the paper.« less

Non-Newtonian behavior observed via dynamic rheology for various particle types in energetic materials and simulant composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jong Han; Lee, Sangmook; Lee, Jae Wook

2017-02-01

The rheological properties of polymer composites highly filled with different filler materials were examined using a stress-controlled rheometer with a parallel-plate configuration, for particle characterization of the filler materials in plastic (polymer) bonded explosive (PBX). Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with dioctyl adipate (DOA) was used as the matrix phase, which was shown to exhibit Newtonian-like behavior. The dispersed phase consisted of one of two energetic materials, i.e., explosive cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) or cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX), or a simulant (Dechlorane) in a bimodal size distribution. Before the test, preshearing was conducted to identify the initial condition of each sample. All examined filled polymer specimens exhibited yield stress and shear-thinning behavior over the investigated frequency range. The complex viscosity dependence on the dynamic oscillation frequency was also fitted using an appropriate rheological model, suggesting the model parameters. Furthermore, the temperature dependency of the different filler particle types was determined for different filler volume fractions. These comparative studies revealed the influence of the particle characteristics on the rheological properties of the filled polymer.

Petrologic constraints on the decompression history of magma prior to Vulcanian explosions at the Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, A. B.; Stephens, S.; Teasdale, R.; Sparks, R. S. J.; Diller, K.

2007-04-01

A series of 88 Vulcanian explosions occurred at the Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, between August and October, 1997. Conduit conditions conducive to creating these and other Vulcanian explosions were explored via analysis of eruptive products and one-dimensional numerical modeling of magma ascent through a cylindrical conduit. The number densities and textures of plagioclase microlites were documented for twenty-three samples from the events. The natural samples all show very high number densities of microlites, and > 50% by number of microlites have areas < 20 μm 2. Pre-explosion conduit conditions and decompression history have been inferred from these data by comparison with experimental decompressions of similar groundmass compositions. Our comparisons suggest quench pressures < 30 MPa (origin depths < 2 km) and multiple rapid decompressions of > 13.75 MPa each during ascent from chamber to surface. Values are consistent with field studies of the same events and statistical analysis of explosion time-series data. The microlite volume number density trend with depth reveals an apparent transition from growth-dominated crystallization to nucleation-dominated crystallization at pressures of ˜ 7 MPa and lower. A concurrent sharp increase in bulk density marks the onset of significant open-system degassing, apparently due to a large increase in system permeability above ˜ 70% vesicularity. This open-system degassing results in a dense plug which eventually seals the conduit and forms conditions favorable to Vulcanian explosions. The corresponding inferred depth of overpressure at 250-700 m, near the base of the dense plug, is consistent with depth to center of pressure estimated from deformation measurements. Here we also illustrate that one-dimensional models representing ascent of a degassing, crystal-rich magma are broadly consistent with conduit profiles constructed via our petrologic analysis. The comparison between models and petrologic data suggests that the dense conduit plug forms as a result of high overpressure and open-system degassing through conduit walls.

Insensitive fuze train for high explosives

DOEpatents

Cutting, Jack L.; Lee, Ronald S.; Von Holle, William G.

1994-01-01

A generic insensitive fuze train to initiate insensitive high explosives, such as PBXW-124. The insensitive fuze train uses a slapper foil to initiate sub-gram quantities of an explosive, such as HNS-IV or PETN. This small amount of explosive drives a larger metal slapper onto a booster charge of an insensitive explosive, such as UF-TATB. The booster charge initiates a larger charge of an explosive, such as LX-17, which in turn, initiates the insensitive high explosive, such as PBXW-124.

Insensitive fuze train for high explosives

DOEpatents

Cutting, J.L.; Lee, R.S.; Von Holle, W.G.

1994-01-04

A generic insensitive fuze train to initiate insensitive high explosives, such as PBXW-124 is described. The insensitive fuze train uses a slapper foil to initiate sub-gram quantities of an explosive, such as HNS-IV or PETN. This small amount of explosive drives a larger metal slapper onto a booster charge of an insensitive explosive, such as UF-TATB. The booster charge initiates a larger charge of an explosive, such as LX-17, which in turn, initiates the insensitive high explosive, such as PBXW-124. 3 figures.

Evaluation of cryogenic insulation materials and composites for use in nuclear radiation environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bullock, R. E.

1972-01-01

The following subjects are studied: (1) composite materials tests; (2) test of liquid level sensors and fission couples; (3) test of valve-seal materials; (4) boron epoxy composites; (5) radiation analysis of explosive materials and bifuels for RNS applications; and (6) test of thermal insulation.

Methodology for Assessing a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) Blast Potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keddy, Chris P.

2012-01-01

Composite Vessels are now used to store a variety of fluids or gases including cryogenic fluids under pressure. Sudden failure of these vessels under certain conditions can lead to a potentially catastrophic vapor expansion if thermal control is not maintained prior to failure. This can lead to a "Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion" or BLEVE.

Creation of a Data Base on Energetic Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-10

Examples of booster explosives are Tetryl, RDX , and HMX . Examples of bursting explosives are Amatols, TNT, Compositions A, B, & C, and Picatrol. Within...Test Thermal Shock Resistance Glass Transition Temperature Toxicity Grain Size Viscosity Hardness Volatility Heat Capacity Water Resistance Heat of...Tensile Strength Flammability Thermal Conductivity Flexural Strength Thermal Expansion Coefficient Gap Test Thermal Shock Resistance Glass Transition

Identification and evolution of the juvenile component in 2004-2005 Mount St. Helens ash: Chapter 29 in A volcano rekindled: the renewed eruption of Mount St. Helens, 2004-2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rowe, Michael C.; Thornber, Carl R.; Kent, Adam J.R.; Sherrod, David R.; Scott, William E.; Stauffer, Peter H.

2008-01-01

Petrologic studies of volcanic ash are commonly used to identify juvenile volcanic material and observe changes in the composition and style of volcanic eruptions. During the 2004-5 eruption of Mount St. Helens, recognition of the juvenile component in ash produced by early phreatic explosions was complicated by the presence of a substantial proportion of 1980-86 lava-dome fragments and glassy tephra, in addition to older volcanic fragments possibly derived from crater debris. In this report, we correlate groundmass textures and compositions of glass, mafic phases, and feldspar from 2004-5 ash in an attempt to identify juvenile material in early phreatic explosions and to distinguish among the various processes that generate and distribute ash. We conclude that clean glass in the ash is derived mostly from nonjuvenile sources and is not particularly useful for identifying the proportion of juvenile material in ash samples. High Li contents (>30 μg/g) in feldspars provide a useful tracer for juvenile material and suggest an increase in the proportion of the juvenile component between October 1 and October 4, 2004, before the emergence of hot dacite on the surface of the crater on October 11, 2004. The presence of Li-rich feldspar out of equilibrium (based on Liplagioclase/melt partitioning) with groundmass and bulk dacite early in the eruption also suggests vapor enrichment in the initially erupted dacite. If an excess vapor phase was, indeed, present, it may have provided a catalyst to initiate the eruption. Textural and compositional comparisons between dome fault gouge and the ash produced by rockfalls, rock avalanches, and vent explosions indicate that the fault gouge is a likely source of ash particles for both types of events. Comparison of the ash from vent explosions and rockfalls suggests that the fault gouge and new dome were initially heterogeneous, containing a mixture of conduit and crater debris and juvenile material, but became increasingly homogeneous, dominated by juvenile material, by early January 2005.

The latest explosive eruptions of Ciomadul (Csomád) volcano, East Carpathians - A tephrostratigraphic approach for the 51-29 ka BP time interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karátson, D.; Wulf, S.; Veres, D.; Magyari, E. K.; Gertisser, R.; Timar-Gabor, A.; Novothny, Á.; Telbisz, T.; Szalai, Z.; Anechitei-Deacu, V.; Appelt, O.; Bormann, M.; Jánosi, Cs.; Hubay, K.; Schäbitz, F.

2016-06-01

The most recent, mainly explosive eruptions of Ciomadul, the youngest volcano in the Carpatho-Pannonian Region, have been constrained by detailed field volcanological studies, major element pumice glass geochemistry, luminescence and radiocarbon dating, and a critical evaluation of available geochronological data. These investigations were complemented by the first tephrostratigraphic studies of the lacustrine infill of Ciomadul's twin craters (St. Ana and Mohoş) that received tephra deposition during the last eruptions of the volcano. Our analysis shows that significant explosive activity, collectively called EPPA (Early Phreatomagmatic and Plinian Activity), started at Ciomadul in or around the present-day Mohoş, the older crater, at ≥ 51 ka BP. These eruptions resulted in a thick succession of pyroclastic-fall deposits found in both proximal and medial/distal localities around the volcano, characterized by highly silicic (rhyolitic) glass chemical compositions (ca. 75.2-79.8 wt.% SiO2). The EPPA stage was terminated by a subplinian/plinian eruption at ≥ 43 ka BP, producing pumiceous pyroclastic-fall and -flow deposits of similar glass composition, probably from a "Proto-St. Ana" vent located at or around the younger crater hosting the present-day Lake St. Ana. After a quiescent period with a proposed lava dome growth in the St. Ana crater, a new explosive stage began, defined as MPA (Middle Plinian Activity). In particular, a significant two-phase eruption occurred at 31.5 ka BP, producing pyroclastic flows from vulcanian explosions disrupting the preexisting lava dome of Sf. Ana, and followed by pumiceous fallout from a plinian eruption column. Related pyroclastic deposits show a characteristic, less evolved rhyolitic glass composition (ca. 70.2-74.5 wt.% SiO2) and occur both in proximal and medial/distal localities up to 21 km from source. The MPA eruptions, that may have pre-shaped a crater similar to, but possibly smaller than, the present-day St. Ana crater, was followed by a so far unknown, but likewise violent last eruptive stage from the same vent, creating the final morphology of the crater. This stage, referred to as LSPA (Latest St. Ana Phreatomagmatic Activity), produced pyroclastic-fall deposits of more evolved rhyolitic glass composition (ca. 72.8-78.8 wt.% SiO2) compared to that of the previous MPA stage. According to radiocarbon age constraints on bulk sediment, charcoal and organic matter from lacustrine sediments recovered from both craters, the last of these phreatomagmatic eruptions - that draped the landscape toward the east and southeast of the volcano - occurred at 29.6 ka BP, some 2000 years later than the previously suggested last eruption of Ciomadul.

Thermodynamic Model of Aluminum Combustion in SDF Explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuhl, . L

2006-06-19

Thermodynamic states encountered during combustion of Aluminum powder in Shock-Dispersed-Fuel (SDF) explosions were analyzed with the Cheetah code. Results are displayed in the Le Chatelier diagram: the locus of states of specific internal energy versus temperature. Accuracy of the results was confirmed by comparing the fuel and products curves with the heats of detonation and combustion, and species composition as measured in bomb calorimeter experiments. Results were fit with analytic functions u = f(T) suitable for specifying the thermodynamic properties required for gas-dynamic models of combustion in explosions.

Fermi Establishes Classical Novae as a Distinct Class of Gamma-ray Sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Albert, A.; Baldini, L.; Ballet, J.; Bastieri, D.; Bellazzini, R.; Bissaldi, E.; Blandford, R. D.; Bloom, E. D.;

Fermi establishes classical novae as a distinct class of gamma-ray sources

DOE PAGES

Cheung, C. C.

2014-07-31

A classical nova results from runaway thermonuclear explosions on the surface of a white dwarf that accretes matter from a low-mass main-sequence stellar companion. In 2012 and 2013, three novae were detected in γ rays and stood in contrast to the first γ-ray detected nova V407 Cygni 2010, which belongs to a rare class of symbiotic binary systems. Despite likely differences in the compositions and masses of their white dwarf progenitors, the three classical novae are similarly characterized as soft spectrum transient γ-ray sources detected over 2-3 week durations. The γ-ray detections point to unexpected high-energy particle acceleration processes linkedmore » to the mass ejection from thermonuclear explosions in an unanticipated class of Galactic γ-ray sources.« less

Nitroaliphatic difluoroformals and process of manufacture

DOEpatents

Peters, H.M.; Simon, R.L. Jr.

1975-12-16

Some new nitroaliphatic difluoroformal compounds are described. The compounds are intended for use in formulating PBX compositions and as energetic plasticizers or fluidic dispersant materials for plastic explosive compositions. Methods of preparation and several examples are given. (PMA)

Supernova Explosions, Nucleosynthesis, and Cosmic Chemical Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truran, James W.

2006-08-01

The Universe emerged from its first three minutes with a composition consisting of hydrogen, deuterium, 3He, 4He, and 7Li. These isotopes constitute the primordial compositions of galaxies. Within galaxies, the synthesis of heavier elements from carbon through uranium is understood to occur during the normal evolution of stars and in supernova explosions of Types I and II. This history is written in the compositions of the stars and gas in our Milky Way Galaxy and other galaxies. The contributions both from massive stars (M>10 Msolar) and associated Type II supernovae and from Type Ia (thermonuclear) supernovae are particularly noteworthy. We review both the nuclear processes by which this occurs and the compositions of the stellar components of our Galaxy as a function of time which reflect these nucleosynthesis processes. We then discuss how such observations inform us of the nature of the earliest stellar populations and of the abundance history of the Cosmos.

New possibilities to analyse non-standard explosives and post blast residues in forensic practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotrlý, Marek; Turková, Ivana

2005-05-01

Nonstandard and home-made explosives always pose a considerable threat for security forces in terms of their practically unlimited variability, both in composition and in construction of explosive devises. Electron microscopy - SEM with EDS/WDS is one of the key techniques for an analysis of non-standard explosives and post-blast residues. If the amount of materials allows it, a number of other analytical techniques are utilized, such as XRD that is capable of a direct phase identification of a crystalline substance, namely in mixtures. TLC has constantly proved itself useful for laboratory screening. Furthermore, combinations of FTIR, Raman spectrometry, LC MS, GC MS, XRF, micro XRF and other ones are applied. In the case of identification of post-blast residues, where an investigation is often conducted at the level of separate microscopic particles, the role of SEM is unsubstitutable, whereas the analysis of the organic phase from these often sporadic microparticles has been infeasible until recently. One of the very interesting options appears to be Raman spectrometry technique, which is nowadays obtainable as a supplement to SEM EDX. Newly available is the device that is fully confocal, SEM keeps full functionality and scan range, very high resolution (for green laser resolution 360nm FWHM; 430nm Rayleigh), it is fitted with high quality objective lens, enhances mapping through Raman spectrometry in a volume 250μm x 250μm x 250μm by piezo driven scanner (capacitive feedback linearized) and obtaining a high quality white light image (250μm x 250μm) immediately in the SEM chamber. This technique is currently undergoing intensive testing and it seems that the method could significantly help to address issues with the analysis of organic phases in electron microscopy not only in the case of post-blast residues and explosives.

Background - oriented schlieren analysis of shockwave propagation from encased and uncased explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romo, Cynthia Paulinne

High speed digital video images of encased and uncased large-scale explosions of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), and Composition C-4 (C-4) at different masses were analyzed using the background oriented schlieren visualization technique. The encased explosions for ANFO and C-4 took place in the form of car bombs and pipe bombs respectively. The data obtained from the video footage were used to produce shock wave radius vs time profiles, as well as Mach number vs shock wave position profiles. The experimentally measured shock wave data for each explosive material were scaled using Sachs' scaling laws to a 1 kilogram charge at normal temperature and pressure. The results of C-4 were compared to literature, while the results of scaled ANFO were compared to each other, and to the results obtained during the uncased detonations. The comparison between the scaled profiles gathered from the encased and uncased detonations resulted in the identification of the relative amount of energy lost due to the fragmentation of the case. The C-4 profiles were compared to those obtained from computational simulations performed via CTH. The C-4 results showed an agreement in the data reported in literature and that obtained using the background-oriented schlieren (BOS) technique, as well as a good overall agreement with the profiles obtained computationally.

Potential for detection of explosive and biological hazards with electronic terahertz systems.

PubMed

Choi, Min Ki; Bettermann, Alan; van der Weide, D W

2004-02-15

The terahertz (THz) regime (0.1-10 THz) is rich with emerging possibilities in sensing, imaging and communications, with unique applications to screening for weapons, explosives and biohazards, imaging of concealed objects, water content and skin. Here we present initial surveys to evaluate the possibility of sensing plastic explosives and bacterial spores using field-deployable electronic THz techniques based on short-pulse generation and coherent detection using nonlinear transmission lines and diode sampling bridges. We also review the barriers and approaches to achieving greater sensing-at-a-distance (stand-off) capabilities for THz sensing systems. We have made several reflection measurements of metallic and non-metallic targets in our laboratory, and have observed high contrast relative to reflection from skin. In particular, we have taken small quantities of energetic materials such as plastic explosives and a variety of Bacillus spores, and measured them in transmission and in reflection using a broadband pulsed electronic THz reflectometer. The pattern of reflection versus frequency gives rise to signatures that are remarkably specific to the composition of the target, even though the target's morphology and position is varied. Although more work needs to be done to reduce the effects of standing waves through time-gating or attenuators, the possibility of mapping out this contrast for imaging and detection is very attractive.

Synthesis and Explosive Consolidation of Titanium, Aluminium, Boron and Carbon Containing Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chikhradze, Mikheil; Oniashvili, George; Chikhradze, Nikoloz; D. S Marquis, Fernand

2016-10-01

The development of modern technologies in the field of materials science has increased the interest towards the bulk materials with improved physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Composites, fabricated in Ti-Al-B-C systems are characterized by unique physical and mechanical properties. They are attractive for aerospace, power engineering, machine and chemical applications. The technologies to fabricate ultrafine grained powder and bulk materials in Ti-Al-B-C system are described in the paper. It includes results of theoretical and experimental investigation for selection of powders composition and determination of thermodynamic conditions for bland preparation, as well as optimal technological parameters for mechanical alloying and adiabatic compaction. The crystalline coarse Ti, Al, C powders and amorphous B were used as precursors and blends with different compositions of Ti-Al, Ti-Al-C, Ti-B-C and Ti-Al-B were prepared. Preliminary determination/selection of blend compositions was made on the basis of phase diagrams. The powders were mixed according to the selected ratios of components to produce the blend. Blends were processed in “Fritsch” Planetary premium line ball mill for mechanical alloying, syntheses of new phases, amorphization and ultrafine powder production. The blends processing time was variable: 1 to 20 hours. The optimal technological regimes of nano blend preparation were determined experimentally. Ball milled nano blends were placed in metallic tube and loaded by shock waves for realization of consolidation in adiabatic regime. The structure and properties of the obtained ultrafine grained materials depending on the processing parameters are investigated and discussed. For consolidation of the mixture, explosive compaction technology is applied at room temperatures. The prepared mixtures were located in low carbon steel tube and blast energies were used for explosive consolidation compositions. The relationship of ball milling technological parameters and explosive consolidation conditions on the structure/properties of the obtained samples are described in the paper.

Effect of fuel composition and differential diffusion on flame stabilization in reacting syngas jets in turbulent cross-flow

DOE PAGES

Minamoto, Yuki; Kolla, Hemanth; Grout, Ray W.; ...

2015-07-24

Here, three-dimensional direct numerical simulation results of a transverse syngas fuel jet in turbulent cross-flow of air are analyzed to study the influence of varying volume fractions of CO relative to H 2 in the fuel composition on the near field flame stabilization. The mean flame stabilizes at a similar location for CO-lean and CO-rich cases despite the trend suggested by their laminar flame speed, which is higher for the CO-lean condition. To identify local mixtures having favorable mixture conditions for flame stabilization, explosive zones are defined using a chemical explosive mode timescale. The explosive zones related to flame stabilizationmore » are located in relatively low velocity regions. The explosive zones are characterized by excess hydrogen transported solely by differential diffusion, in the absence of intense turbulent mixing or scalar dissipation rate. The conditional averages show that differential diffusion is negatively correlated with turbulent mixing. Moreover, the local turbulent Reynolds number is insufficient to estimate the magnitude of the differential diffusion effect. Alternatively, the Karlovitz number provides a better indicator of the importance of differential diffusion. A comparison of the variations of differential diffusion, turbulent mixing, heat release rate and probability of encountering explosive zones demonstrates that differential diffusion predominantly plays an important role for mixture preparation and initiation of chemical reactions, closely followed by intense chemical reactions sustained by sufficient downstream turbulent mixing. The mechanism by which differential diffusion contributes to mixture preparation is investigated using the Takeno Flame Index. The mean Flame Index, based on the combined fuel species, shows that the overall extent of premixing is not intense in the upstream regions. However, the Flame Index computed based on individual contribution of H 2 or CO species reveals that hydrogen contributes significantly to premixing, particularly in explosive zones in the upstream leeward region, i.e. at the preferred flame stabilization location. Therefore, a small amount of H 2 diffuses much faster than CO, creating relatively homogeneous mixture pockets depending on the competition with turbulent mixing. These pockets, together with high H 2 reactivity, contribute to stabilizing the flame at a consistent location regardless of the CO concentration in the fuel for the present range of DNS conditions.« less

Thickening compositions containing xanthomonas gum and hydroxyalkyl ether of guar gum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jordan, W.A.

1973-07-24

Natural and synthetic gums have been used as thickeners for foods, coatings, paints, dyes, explosive slurries, oil-well fluids, and many other applications. Thickening compositions are described which consist of xanthomonas gum and hydroxyalkyl ether of guar gum and are suitable for use in explosive slurries. Aqueous sols of xanthomonas gum are plastic in nature and exhibit higher gel strengths than sols of other gums. Aqueous sols of hydroxyalkyl ether of guar are almost Newtonian and exhibit little or no gel strength. Aqueous sols of the thickening compositions of the present invention are plastic in character. At certain concentrations of themore » thickening compositions in aqueous sols, the sols have higher gel strengths than can be obtained from xanthomonas gum alone. At certain concentrations, the aqueous sols containing the thickening compositions exhibit greater viscosity differentials than do sols containing xanthomonas gum alone. In addition, the aqueous sols exhibit a greater drop in viscosity as the thickening composition concentration is reduced than do aqueous sols of xanthomonas gum alone.(5 claims)« less

Blast investigation by fast multispectral radiometric analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devir, A. D.; Bushlin, Y.; Mendelewicz, I.; Lessin, A. B.; Engel, M.

2011-06-01

Knowledge regarding the processes involved in blasts and detonations is required in various applications, e.g. missile interception, blasts of high-explosive materials, final ballistics and IED identification. Blasts release large amount of energy in short time duration. Some part of this energy is released as intense radiation in the optical spectral bands. This paper proposes to measure the blast radiation by a fast multispectral radiometer. The measurement is made, simultaneously, in appropriately chosen spectral bands. These spectral bands provide extensive information on the physical and chemical processes that govern the blast through the time-dependence of the molecular and aerosol contributions to the detonation products. Multi-spectral blast measurements are performed in the visible, SWIR and MWIR spectral bands. Analysis of the cross-correlation between the measured multi-spectral signals gives the time dependence of the temperature, aerosol and gas composition of the blast. Farther analysis of the development of these quantities in time may indicate on the order of the detonation and amount and type of explosive materials. Examples of analysis of measured explosions are presented to demonstrate the power of the suggested fast multispectral radiometric analysis approach.

Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) Molecular Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Emissions of Thin Solid Explosive Powder Films Deposited on Aluminum Substrates.

PubMed

Yang, Clayton S-C; Jin, Feng; Trivedi, Sudhir B; Brown, Ei E; Hommerich, Uwe; Tripathi, Ashish; Samuels, Alan C

2017-04-01

Thin solid films made of high nitro (NO 2 )/nitrate (NO 3 ) content explosives were deposited on sand-blasted aluminum substrates and then studied using a mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) linear array detection system that is capable of rapidly capturing a broad spectrum of atomic and molecular laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) emissions in the long-wave infrared region (LWIR; ∼5.6-10 µm). Despite the similarities of their chemical compositions and structures, thin films of three commonly used explosives (RDX, HMX, and PETN) studied in this work can be rapidly identified in the ambient air by their molecular LIBS emission signatures in the LWIR region. A preliminary assessment of the detection limit for a thin film of RDX on aluminum appears to be much lower than 60 µg/cm 2 . This LWIR LIBS setup is capable of rapidly probing and charactering samples without the need for elaborate sample preparation and also offers the possibility of a simultaneous ultraviolet visible and LWIR LIBS measurement.

Final report for SERDP WP-2209 Replacement melt-castable formulations for Composition B

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-19

Chemical reaction of the materials in the melt ............................................................... 5 Thermal degradation of materials...reasons other than the hazard of explosion, these include: • Chemical reaction of the materials in the melt • Thermal degradation at low...temperature • Sublimation and condensation of explosive material on equipment and exposure to workers Chemical reaction of the materials in the melt

Bayesian Integration and Characterization of Composition C-4 Plastic Explosives Based on Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mahoney, Christine M.; Kelly, Ryan T.; Alexander, M. L.

Key elements regarding the use of non-radioactive ionization sources will be presented as related to explosives detection by mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry. Various non-radioactive ionization sources will be discussed along with associated ionization mechanisms pertaining to specific sample types.

Thermal Behaviors and Their Correlations of Mg(BH4)2-Contained Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Yue; Chen, Liping; Peng, Jinhua

2018-01-01

In order to explore the effect of metal hydride on energetic materials' thermal behaviors and their correlations, we studied the heats of combustion and detonation of RDX, TNT, and Mg(BH4)2-containing explosives both theoretically and experimentally. The results showed that Mg(BH4)2 can significantly improve the energy of explosive. As the mass fraction of Mg(BH4)2 increases, the combustion heat of composite explosives increases gradually, while the combustion efficiency decreases. When its mass fraction is about 30%, the theoretical heats of detonation of RDX/Mg(BH4)2 and TNT/Mg(BH4)2 reach maximum, which are 7418.47 and 7032.46 kJ/kg, respectively. When we compared the errors between calculation and experimental values, we found that L-C method is more accurate in calculating oxygen-enriched and oxygen-balanced explosives, and that minimum free energy method is more suitable for seriously negative oxygen-balanced explosive. For single explosive, there are three kinds of relationships between heat of combustion and detonation according to the oxygen balance. For Mg(BH4)2-containing explosives, the relationship is in accordance with Boltzmann function.

Optimum performance of explosives in a quasistatic detonation cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Ernest L.; Stiel, Leonard I.

2017-01-01

Analyses were conducted on the behavior of explosives in a quasistatic detonation cycle. This type of cycle has been proposed for the determination of the maximum work that can be performed by the explosive. The Jaguar thermochemical equilibrium program enabled the direct analyses of explosive performance at the various steps in the detonation cycle. In all cases the explosive is initially detonated to a point on the Hugoniot curve for the reaction products. The maximum useful work that can be obtained from the explosive is equal to the P-V work on the isentrope for expansion after detonation to atmospheric pressure, minus one-half the square of the particle velocity at the detonation point. This quantity is calculated form the internal energy of the explosive at the initial and final atmospheric temperatures. Cycle efficiencies (net work/ heat added) are also calculated with these procedures. For several explosives including TNT, RDX, and aluminized compositions, maximum work effects were established through the Jaguar calculations for Hugoniot points corresponding to C-J, overdriven, underdriven and constant volume detonations. Detonation to the C-J point is found to result in the maximum net work in all cases.

Degassing vs. eruptive styles at Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy): Volatile stocking, gas fluxing, and the shift from low-energy to highly-explosive basaltic eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moretti, Roberto; Métrich, Nicole; Di Renzo, Valeria; Aiuppa, Alessandro; Allard, Patrick; Arienzo, Ilenia

2017-04-01

Basaltic magmas can transport and release large amounts of volatiles into the atmosphere, especially in subduction zones, where slab-derived fluids enrich the mantle wedge. Depending on magma volatile content, basaltic volcanoes thus display a wide spectrum of eruptive styles, from common Strombolian-type activity to Plinian events. Mt. Etna in Sicily, is a typical basaltic volcano where the volatile control on such a variable activity can be investigated. Based on a melt inclusion study in products from Strombolian or lava-fountain activity to Plinian eruptions, here we show that for the same initial volatile content, different eruptive styles reflect variable degassing paths throughout the composite Etnean plumbing system. The combined influence of i) crystallization, ii) deep degassing and iii) CO2 gas fluxing can explain the evolution of H2O, CO2, S and Cl in products from such a spectrum of activity. Deep crystallization produces the CO2-rich gas fluxing the upward magma portions, which will become buoyant and easily mobilized in small gas-rich batches stored within the plumbing system. When reaching gas dominated conditions (i.e., a gas/melt mass ratio of 0.3 and CO2,gas/H2Ogas molar ratio 5 ), these will erupt effusively or mildly explosively, whilst in case of the 122 BC Plinian eruption, open-system degassing conditions took place within the plumbing system, such that continuous CO2-fluxing determined gas accumulation on top of the magmatic system. The emission of such a cap in the early eruptive phase triggered the arrival of deep H2O-rich whose fast decompression and bubble nucleation lead to the highly explosive character, enhanced by abundant microlite crystallization and consequent increase of magma effective viscosity. This could explain why open system basaltic systems like Etna may experience highly explosive or even Plinian episodes during eruptions that start with effusive to mildly explosive phases. The proposed mechanism also determines a depression of chlorine contents in CO2-fluxed (and less explosive) magmas with respect to those feeding Plinian events like 122 BC one. The opposite is seen for sulfur: low to mild-explosive fluxed magmas are S-enriched, whereas the 122 BC Plinian products are relatively S-poor, likely because of early sulfide separation accompanying magma crystallization. The proposed mechanism involving CO2 separation and fluxing may suggest a subordinate role for variable mixing of different sources having different degrees of K-enrichment. However, such a mechanism requires further experimental studies about the effects on S and Cl dissolution and does not exclude self-mixing between degassed and undegassed batches within the Etna plumbing system. Finally, our findings may represent a new interpretative tool for the geochemical and petrological monitoring of plume gas discharges and melt inclusions, and allow tracking the switch from mild-explosive to highly explosive or even Plinian events at Etna.

Trace impurities analysis of aluminum nanopowder and its air combustion product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabanov, Denis V.; Merkulov, Viktor G.; Mostovshchikov, Andrey V.; Ilyin, Alexander P.

2018-03-01

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) allows estimating micro-concentrations of chemicals and analyzes tens of elements at one measurement. In this paper we have used NAA to examine metal impurities in the electroexplosive aluminum nanopowder (ANP) and its air-combustion products produced by burning in crucibles in an electric and magnetic field and without application of fields. It has been revealed that in the air-combustion products impurities content is reduced. The presence of impurities in the ANP is associated with electric explosion technology (erosion of electrode and chamber materials) and with the previous development of various nanopowders in the composition of this electric explosive device. NAA is characterized by a high sensitivity and reproducibility to elements content and low metering error. According to the obtained results it has been concluded that NAA metering error does not exceed 10% in the wide concentration range, from 0.01 to 2100 ppm, particularly. Besides, there is high reproducibility of the method that has been proved on macro-elements of Ca (>1000 ppm), Fe (>2000 ppm), and micro-elements as Sm, U, Ce, Sb, Th, etc. (<0.9 ppm). It is recommended to use an individual unit for the production of pure metal powders for electric explosion and production of nanopowders, which is possible with mass production of nanopowders.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of High Explosive Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-29

explosives and secondary high explosives, and the sensitivities and properties of these molecules are provided. In addition to the synthesis of such materials...This review discusses the recent advances in the syntheses of high explosive energetic materials. Syntheses of some relevant modern primary

Feasibility studies on explosive detection and homeland security applications using a neutron and x-ray combined computed tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, V.; Srivastava, A.; Lee, H. K.; Liu, X.

2013-05-01

The successful creation and operation of a neutron and X-ray combined computed tomography (NXCT) system has been demonstrated by researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The NXCT system has numerous applications in the field of material characterization and object identification in materials with a mixture of atomic numbers represented. Presently, the feasibility studies have been performed for explosive detection and homeland security applications, particularly in concealed material detection and determination of the light atomic number materials. These materials cannot be detected using traditional X-ray imaging. The new system has the capability to provide complete structural and compositional information due to the complementary nature of X-ray and neutron interactions with materials. The design of the NXCT system facilitates simultaneous and instantaneous imaging operation, promising enhanced detection capabilities of explosive materials, low atomic number materials and illicit materials for homeland security applications. In addition, a sample positioning system allowing the user to remotely and automatically manipulate the sample makes the system viable for commercial applications. Several explosives and weapon simulants have been imaged and the results are provided. The fusion algorithms which combine the data from the neutron and X-ray imaging produce superior images. This paper is a compete overview of the NXCT system for feasibility studies of explosive detection and homeland security applications. The design of the system, operation, algorithm development, and detection schemes are provided. This is the first combined neutron and X-ray computed tomography system in operation. Furthermore, the method of fusing neutron and X-ray images together is a new approach which provides high contrast images of the desired object. The system could serve as a standardized tool in nondestructive testing of many applications, especially in explosives detection and homeland security research.

Flying-plate detonator using a high-density high explosive

DOEpatents

Stroud, John R.; Ornellas, Donald L.

1988-01-01

A flying-plate detonator containing a high-density high explosive such as benzotrifuroxan (BTF). The detonator involves the electrical explosion of a thin metal foil which punches out a flyer from a layer overlying the foil, and the flyer striking a high-density explosive pellet of BTF, which is more thermally stable than the conventional detonator using pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).

Identification of explosives and drugs and inspection of material defects with THz radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cunlin; Mu, Kaijun; Jiang, Xue; Jiao, Yueying; Zhang, Liangliang; Zhou, Qingli; Zhang, Yan; Shen, Jingling; Zhao, Guoshong; Zhang, X.-C.

2008-03-01

We report the sensing of explosive materials and illicit drugs by using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and imaging. Several explosive materials, such as γ-HNIW, RDX, 2,4-DNT, TNT, Nitro-aniline, and illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine (MA) etc were researched here. Non-destructive testing, as one of the major applications of THz imaging, can be applied to an area of critical need: the testing of aerospace materials. Composite materials such as carbon fiber are widely used in this industry. The nature of their use requires technologies that are able to differentiate between safe and unsafe materials, due to either manufacturing tolerance or damage acquired while in use. In this paper, we discuss the applicability of terahertz (THz) imaging systems to this purpose, focusing on graphite fiber composite materials, carbon silicon composite materials and so on. We applied THz imaging technology to evaluate the fire damage to a variety of carbon fiber composite samples. Major carbon fiber materials have polarization-dependent reflectivity in THz frequency range, and we show how the polarization dependence changes versus the burned damage level. Additionally, time domain information acquired through a THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) system provides further information with which to characterize the damage. We also detect fuel tank insulation foam panel defects with pulse and continuous-wave (CW) terahertz system.

Big Explosives Experimental Facility - BEEF

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

The Big Explosives Experimental Facility or BEEF is a ten acre fenced high explosive testing facility that provides data to support stockpile stewardship and other national security programs. At BEEF conventional high explosives experiments are safely conducted providing sophisticated diagnostics such as high speed optics and x-ray radiography.

Big Explosives Experimental Facility - BEEF

ScienceCinema

None

2018-01-16

The Big Explosives Experimental Facility or BEEF is a ten acre fenced high explosive testing facility that provides data to support stockpile stewardship and other national security programs. At BEEF conventional high explosives experiments are safely conducted providing sophisticated diagnostics such as high speed optics and x-ray radiography.

Three Dimensional Analysis of Induced Detonation of Cased Explosive

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-16

hardness and ductility . RHA steel is largely used in military applications to manufacture armoured vehicles. The Johnson Cook (JC) constitutive...armour (RHA) steel were investigated through the LS-DYNA. The investigation focused on shock to detonation simulations of Composition B, with the... hot spots caused by the compression of the explosive from the initial shockwave. Detonation was also caused by pressure waves reflecting against the

Short pulse duration shock initiation experiments plus ignition and growth modeling on Composition B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, Chadd M.; Tarver, Craig M.

2014-05-01

Composition B (63% RDX, 36% TNT, 1% wax) is still a widely used energetic material whose shock initiation characteristics are necessary to understand. It is now possible to shock initiate Composition B and other secondary explosives at diameters well below their characteristic failure diameters for unconfined self-sustaining detonation. This is done using very high velocity, very thin, small diameter flyer plates accelerated by electric or laser power sources. Recently experimental detonation versus failure to detonate threshold flyer velocity curves for Composition B using several KaptonTM flyer thicknesses and diameters were measured. Flyer plates with diameters of 2 mm successfully detonated Composition B, which has a nominal failure diameter of 4.3 mm. The shock pressures required for these initiations are greater than the Chapman-Jouguet (C-J) pressure in self-sustaining Composition B detonation waves. The initiation process is two-dimensional, because both rear and side rarefactions can affect the shocked Composition B reaction rates. The Ignition and Growth reactive flow model for Composition B is extended to yield accurate simulations of this new threshold velocity data for various flyer thicknesses.

Steam explosion pretreatment of softwood: the effect of the explosive decompression on enzymatic digestibility.

PubMed

Pielhop, Thomas; Amgarten, Janick; von Rohr, Philipp Rudolf; Studer, Michael H

2016-01-01

Steam explosion pretreatment has been examined in many studies for enhancing the enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass and is currently the most common pretreatment method in commercial biorefineries. The information available about the effect of the explosive decompression on the biochemical conversion is, however, very limited, and no studies prove that the latter is actually enhanced by the explosion. Hence, it is of great value to discern between the effect of the explosion on the one hand and the steaming on the other hand, to identify their particular influences on enzymatic digestibility. The effect of the explosive decompression in the steam explosion pretreatment of spruce wood chips on their enzymatic cellulose digestibility was studied systematically. The explosion had a high influence on digestibility, improving it by up to 90 % compared to a steam pretreatment without explosion. Two factors were identified to be essentially responsible for the effect of the explosion on enzymatic digestibility: pretreatment severity and pressure difference of the explosion. A higher pretreatment severity can soften up and weaken the lignocellulose structure more, so that the explosion can better break up the biomass and decrease its particle size, which enhances its digestibility. In particular, increasing the pressure difference of the explosion leads to more defibration, a smaller particle size and a better digestibility. Though differences were found in the micro- and nanostructure of exploded and non-exploded biomass, the only influence of the explosion on digestibility was found to be the macroscopic particle size reduction. Steam explosion treatments with a high severity and a high pressure difference of the explosion lead to a comparatively high cellulose digestibility of the-typically very recalcitrant-softwood biomass. This is the first study to show that explosion can enhance the enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass. If the enhancing effect of the explosion is thoroughly exploited, even very recalcitrant biomass like softwood can be made enzymatically digestible.

Thermally generated magnetic fields in laser-driven compressions and explosions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tidman, D. A.

1975-01-01

The evolution of thermally generated magnetic fields in a plasma undergoing a nearly spherically symmetric adiabatic compression or expansion is calculated. The analysis is applied to obtain approximate results for the development of magnetic fields in laser-driven compression and explosion of a pellet of nuclear fuel. Localized sources, such as those occurring at composition boundaries in structured pellets or at shock fronts, give stronger fields than those deriving from smoothly distributed asymmetries. Although these fields may approach 10 million G in the late stages of compression, this is not expected to present difficulties for the compression process. Assuming ignition of a nuclear explosion occurs, the sources become much stronger, and values of approximately 10 billion G are obtained at tamper boundaries assuming a 20% departure from spherical symmetry during the explosion.

Variations in eruptive style and depositional processes of Neoproterozoic terrestrial volcano-sedimentary successions in the Hamid area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalaf, Ezz El Din Abdel Hakim

2013-07-01

Two contrasting Neoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary successions of ca. 600 m thickness were recognized in the Hamid area, Northeastern Desert, Egypt. A lower Hamid succession consists of alluvial sediments, coherent lava flows, pyroclastic fall and flow deposits. An upper Hamid succession includes deposits from pyroclastic density currents, sills, and dykes. Sedimentological studies at different scales in the Hamid area show a very complex interaction of fluvial, eruptive, and gravitational processes in time and space and thus provided meaningful insights into the evolution of the rift sedimentary environments and the identification of different stages of effusive activity, explosive activity, and relative quiescence, determining syn-eruptive and inter-eruptive rock units. The volcano-sedimentary deposits of the study area can be ascribed to 14 facies and 7 facies associations: (1) basin-border alluvial fan, (2) mixed sandy fluvial braid plain, (3) bed-load-dominated ephemeral lake, (4) lava flows and volcaniclastics, (5) pyroclastic fall deposits, (6) phreatomagmatic volcanic deposits, and (7) pyroclastic density current deposits. These systems are in part coeval and in part succeed each other, forming five phases of basin evolution: (i) an opening phase including alluvial fan and valley flooding together with a lacustrine period, (ii) a phase of effusive and explosive volcanism (pulsatory phase), (iii) a phase of predominant explosive and deposition from base surges (collapsing phase), and (iv) a phase of caldera eruption and ignimbrite-forming processes (climactic phase). The facies architectures record a change in volcanic activity from mainly phreatomagmatic eruptions, producing large volumes of lava flows and pyroclastics (pulsatory and collapsing phase), to highly explosive, pumice-rich plinian-type pyroclastic density current deposits (climactic phase). Hamid area is a small-volume volcano, however, its magma compositions, eruption styles, and inter-eruptive breaks suggest, that it closely resembles a volcanic architecture commonly associated with large, composite volcanoes.

Phase Structures and Magnetic Properties of Graphite Nanosheets and Ni-Graphite Nanocomposite Synthesized by Electrical Explosion of Wire in Liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Minh-Thuyet; Kim, Jin-Hyung; Lee, Jung-Goo; Kim, Jin-Chun

2018-03-01

The present work studied on phases and magnetic properties of graphite nanosheets and Ni-graphite nanocomposite synthesized using the electrical explosion of wire (EEW) in ethanol. X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope were used to investigate the phases and the morphology of the nanopowders obtained. It was found that graphite nanosheets were absolutely fabricated by EEW with a thickness of 29 nm and 3 μm diameter. The as-synthesized Ni-graphite composite powders had a Ni-coating on the surfaces of graphite sheets. The hysteresis loop of the as-exploded, the hydrogen-treated composite nanopowders and the sintered samples were examined with a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The Ni-graphite composite exposed the magnetic behaviors which are attributed to Ni component. The magnetic properties of composite had the improvement from 10.2 emu/g for the as-exploded powders to 15.8 emu/g for heat-treated powders and 49.16 emu/g for sintered samples.

Preliminary burn and impact tests of hybrid polymeric composites. [preventing graphite fiber release

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tompkins, S. S.; Brewer, W. D.

1978-01-01

Free graphite fibers released into the environment from resin matrix composite components, as a result of fire and/or explosion, pose a potential hazard to electrical equipment. An approach to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne is to use hybrid composite materials which retain the fibers at the burn site. Test results are presented for three hybrid composites that were exposed to a simulation of an aircraft fire and explosion. The hybrid systems consisted of 16 plies of graphite-epoxy with two plies of Kevlar-, S-glass-, or boron-epoxy on each face. Two different test environments were used. In one environment, specimens were heated by convection only, and then impacted by a falling mass. In the other environment, specimens were heated by convection and by radiation, but were not impacted. The convective heat flux was about 100-120 kW/m in both environments and the radiative flux was about 110 kW/sq m.

Tracking Radionuclide Fractionation in the First Atomic Explosion Using Stable Elements

DOE PAGES

Bonamici, Chloë E.; Hervig, Richard L.; Kinman, William S.

2017-08-25

Compositional analysis of postdetonation fallout is a tool for forensic identification of nuclear devices. However, the relationship between device composition and fallout composition is difficult to interpret because of the complex combination of physical mixing, nuclear reactions, and chemical fractionations that occur in the chaotic nuclear fireball. By using a combination of in situ microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry), we show that some heavy stable elements (Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Lu, U, Th) in glassy fallout from the first nuclear test, Trinity, are reliable chemical proxies for radionuclidesmore » generated during the explosion. Stable-element proxies show that radionuclides from the Trinity device were chemically, but not isotopically, fractionated by condensation. Moreover, stable-element proxies delineate chemical fractionation trends that can be used to connect present-day fallout composition to past fireball composition. Stable-element proxies therefore offer a novel approach for elucidating the phenomenology of the nuclear fireball as it relates to the formation of debris and the fixation of device materials within debris.« less

Tracking Radionuclide Fractionation in the First Atomic Explosion Using Stable Elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bonamici, Chloë E.; Hervig, Richard L.; Kinman, William S.

Compositional analysis of postdetonation fallout is a tool for forensic identification of nuclear devices. However, the relationship between device composition and fallout composition is difficult to interpret because of the complex combination of physical mixing, nuclear reactions, and chemical fractionations that occur in the chaotic nuclear fireball. By using a combination of in situ microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry), we show that some heavy stable elements (Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Lu, U, Th) in glassy fallout from the first nuclear test, Trinity, are reliable chemical proxies for radionuclidesmore » generated during the explosion. Stable-element proxies show that radionuclides from the Trinity device were chemically, but not isotopically, fractionated by condensation. Moreover, stable-element proxies delineate chemical fractionation trends that can be used to connect present-day fallout composition to past fireball composition. Stable-element proxies therefore offer a novel approach for elucidating the phenomenology of the nuclear fireball as it relates to the formation of debris and the fixation of device materials within debris.« less

Tracking Radionuclide Fractionation in the First Atomic Explosion Using Stable Elements.

PubMed

Bonamici, Chloë E; Hervig, Richard L; Kinman, William S

2017-09-19

Compositional analysis of postdetonation fallout is a tool for forensic identification of nuclear devices. However, the relationship between device composition and fallout composition is difficult to interpret because of the complex combination of physical mixing, nuclear reactions, and chemical fractionations that occur in the chaotic nuclear fireball. Using a combination of in situ microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry), we show that some heavy stable elements (Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Lu, U, Th) in glassy fallout from the first nuclear test, Trinity, are reliable chemical proxies for radionuclides generated during the explosion. Stable-element proxies show that radionuclides from the Trinity device were chemically, but not isotopically, fractionated by condensation. Furthermore, stable-element proxies delineate chemical fractionation trends that can be used to connect present-day fallout composition to past fireball composition. Stable-element proxies therefore offer a novel approach for elucidating the phenomenology of the nuclear fireball as it relates to the formation of debris and the fixation of device materials within debris.

Nucleosynthesis in Thermonuclear Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seitenzahl, Ivo Rolf; Townsley, Dean M.

The explosion energy of thermonuclear (type Ia) supernovae is derived from the difference in nuclear binding energy liberated in the explosive fusion of light "fuel" nuclei, predominantly carbon and oxygen, into more tightly bound nuclear "ash" dominated by iron and silicon group elements. The very same explosive thermonuclear fusion event is also one of the major processes contributing to the nucleosynthesis of the heavy elements, in particular the iron-group elements. For example, most of the iron and manganese in the sun and its planetary system were produced in thermonuclear supernovae. Here, we review the physics of explosive thermonuclear burning in carbon-oxygen white dwarf material and the methodologies utilized in calculating predicted nucleosynthesis from hydrodynamic explosion models. While the dominant explosion scenario remains unclear, many aspects of the nuclear combustion and nucleosynthesis are common to all models and must occur in some form in order to produce the observed yields. We summarize the predicted nucleosynthetic yields for existing explosion models, placing particular emphasis on characteristic differences in the nucleosynthetic signatures of the different suggested scenarios leading to type Ia supernovae. Following this, we discuss how these signatures compare with observations of several individual supernovae, remnants, and the composition of material in our galaxy and galaxy clusters.

Embedded fiber Bragg grating pressure measurement during thermal ignition of a high explosive

DOE PAGES

Rodriguez, George; Smilowitz, Laura Beth; Henson, Bryan Fayne

2016-10-17

A high-speed fiber Bragg grating based pressure-only measurement is reported for the high explosive PBXN-9 under thermal initiation conditions. During exothermic thermal runaway, an explosion rise time of 500 μs reaching a peak pressure of 660 MPa is measured. Lastly, the approach offers a direct measure pressure diagnostic useful for quantifying reaction violence for high explosive chemistry.

Embedded fiber Bragg grating pressure measurement during thermal ignition of a high explosive

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodriguez, George; Smilowitz, Laura Beth; Henson, Bryan Fayne

A high-speed fiber Bragg grating based pressure-only measurement is reported for the high explosive PBXN-9 under thermal initiation conditions. During exothermic thermal runaway, an explosion rise time of 500 μs reaching a peak pressure of 660 MPa is measured. Lastly, the approach offers a direct measure pressure diagnostic useful for quantifying reaction violence for high explosive chemistry.

Comparison of spatial frequency domain features for the detection of side attack explosive ballistics in synthetic aperture acoustics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dowdy, Josh; Anderson, Derek T.; Luke, Robert H.; Ball, John E.; Keller, James M.; Havens, Timothy C.

2016-05-01

Explosive hazards in current and former conflict zones are a threat to both military and civilian personnel. As a result, much effort has been dedicated to identifying automated algorithms and systems to detect these threats. However, robust detection is complicated due to factors like the varied composition and anatomy of such hazards. In order to solve this challenge, a number of platforms (vehicle-based, handheld, etc.) and sensors (infrared, ground penetrating radar, acoustics, etc.) are being explored. In this article, we investigate the detection of side attack explosive ballistics via a vehicle-mounted acoustic sensor. In particular, we explore three acoustic features, one in the time domain and two on synthetic aperture acoustic (SAA) beamformed imagery. The idea is to exploit the varying acoustic frequency profile of a target due to its unique geometry and material composition with respect to different viewing angles. The first two features build their angle specific frequency information using a highly constrained subset of the signal data and the last feature builds its frequency profile using all available signal data for a given region of interest (centered on the candidate target location). Performance is assessed in the context of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves on cross-validation experiments for data collected at a U.S. Army test site on different days with multiple target types and clutter. Our preliminary results are encouraging and indicate that the top performing feature is the unrolled two dimensional discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of SAA beamformed imagery.

Shock Initiation of Wedge-shaped Explosive Measured with Smear Camera and Photon Doppler Velocimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yan

2017-06-01

Triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) is an important insensitive high explosive in conventional weapons due to its safety and high energy. In order to have an insight into the shock initiation performance of a TATB-based insensitive high explosive (IHE), experimental measurements of the particle velocity histories of the TATB-based Explosive using Photon Doppler Velocimetry and shock wave profile of the TATB-based explosive using High Speed Rotating Mirror Smear Camera had been performed. In this paper, we would describe the shock initiation performance of the TATB-based explosive by run-to-detonation distance and the particle velocity history at an initialization shock of about 7.9 GPa. The parameters of hugoniot of unreacted the TATB-based explosive and Pop relationship could be derived with the particle velocity history obtained in this paper.

Rapid and slow: Varying magma ascent rates as a mechanism for Vulcanian explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassidy, Mike; Cole, Paul. D.; Hicks, Kelby E.; Varley, Nick R.; Peters, Nial; Lerner, Allan H.

2015-06-01

Vulcanian explosions are one of the most common types of volcanic activity observed at silicic volcanoes. Magma ascent rates are often invoked as being the fundamental control on their explosivity, yet this factor is poorly constrained for low magnitude end-member Vulcanian explosions, which are particularly poorly understood, partly due to the rarity of ash samples and low gas fluxes. We describe ash generated by small Vulcanian explosions at Volcán de Colima in 2013, where we document for the first time marked differences in the vesicularity, crystal characteristics (volume fraction, size and shape) and glass compositions in juvenile material from discrete events. We interpret these variations as representing differing ascent styles and speeds of magma pulses within the conduit. Heterogeneous degassing during ascent leads to fast ascending, gas-rich magma pulses together with slow ascending gas-poor magma pulses within the same conduit. This inferred heterogeneity is complemented by SO2 flux data, which show transient episodes of both open and closed system degassing, indicating efficient shallow fracture sealing mechanisms, which allows for gas overpressure to generate small Vulcanian explosions.

A review of Explosives Used in Explosive Excavation Research Laboratory Projects Since 1969

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-12-01

Boron compounds Potassium dichramat« Antimony compounds Bismuth compounds P«riodat«s Litharge Guar gum (polysaccSarid«) Storch Acrylomid... gum , and gelled with a cross- linking agent. The i-arliest slurries used Government surplus TNT as a fuel-sensitizer, but the majority o...Nonexplosive TNT PETN RDX Rentalite Composition B Guanidine nitrate Smokeless powder Nitres*: ch Alky’amine nitrates Nit.omannite Aluminum Sugar

Short Term Innovative Research Program: Nanoengineered Reactive Materials for Tunable Ignition and Energy Release

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Background Most conventional explosives can be roughly categorized into two classes – molecular materials and intermolecular composites. Molecular...materials refer to species such as the nitroalkanes (e.g. nitromethane ) and cyclic nitramines (e.g. TNAZ, RDX, HMX) that release chemical energy...alternative to conventional explosives that has been gaining increasing interest have been termed reactive materials, and are defined as systems in

Bomb Detection System Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1965-01-01

cause the reduction in vapor pressure. To determine whether an explosive can be detected thi ugh its * vapor, it is necessary to know the vapor pressures...Smokeless powders are explosives normally used in shotgun powders and can vary widely in composition. Nitrocellulose is the major :oomponent. Dinitrotoluene...will not be inclined to undertake the risky process except under very unusual circum- stances. Black powder is an obvious choice and has been so in

Gas chromatographic detection of some nitro explosive compounds in soil samples after solid-phase microextraction with carbon ceramic copper nanoparticle fibers.

PubMed

Farhadi, Khalil; Bochani, Shayesteh; Hatami, Mehdi; Molaei, Rahim; Pirkharrati, Hossein

2014-07-01

In this research, a new solid-phase microextraction fiber based on carbon ceramic composites with copper nanoparticles followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was applied for the extraction and determination of some nitro explosive compounds in soil samples. The proposed method provides an overview of trends related to synthesis of solid-phase microextraction sorbents and their applications in preconcentration and determination of nitro explosives. The sorbents were prepared by mixing of copper nanoparticles with a ceramic composite produced by mixture of methyltrimethoxysilane, graphite, methanol, and hydrochloric acid. The prepared sorbents were coated on copper wires by dip-coating method. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated statistically and provided better limits of detection than the pure carbon ceramic. The limit of detection of the proposed method was 0.6 μg/g with a linear response over the concentration range of 2-160 μg/g and square of correlation coefficient >0.992. The new proposed fiber has been demonstrated to be a suitable, inexpensive, and sensitive candidate for extraction of nitro explosive compounds in contaminated soil samples. The constructed fiber can be used more than 100 times without the need for surface generation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Quantitative analysis for the determination of aluminum percentage and detonation performance of aluminized plastic bonded explosives by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei, A. H.; Keshavarz, M. H.; Kavosh Tehrani, M.; Darbani, S. M. R.

2018-06-01

The aluminized plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) is a composite material in which solid explosive particles are dispersed in a polymer matrix, which includes three major components, i.e. polymeric binder, metal fuel (aluminum) and nitramine explosive. This work introduces a new method on the basis of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique in air and argon atmospheres to investigate the determination of aluminum content and detonation performance of aluminized PBXs. Plasma emissions of aluminized PBXs are recorded where atomic lines of Al, C and H as well as molecular bands of AlO and CN are identified. The experimental results demonstrate that a good discrimination and separation between the aluminized PBXs is possible using LIBS and principle component analysis, although they have similar atomic composition. Relative intensity of the AlO/Al is used to determine aluminum percentage of the aluminized PBXs. The obtained quantitative calibration curve using the relative intensity of the AlO/Al is better than the resulting calibration curve using only the intensity of Al. By using the LIBS method and the measured intensity ratio of CN/C, an Al content of 15% is found to be the optimum value in terms of velocity of detonation of the RDX/Al/HTPB standard samples.

Temperature and pressure influence on maximum rates of pressure rise during explosions of propane-air mixtures in a spherical vessel.

PubMed

Razus, D; Brinzea, V; Mitu, M; Movileanu, C; Oancea, D

2011-06-15

The maximum rates of pressure rise during closed vessel explosions of propane-air mixtures are reported, for systems with various initial concentrations, pressures and temperatures ([C(3)H(8)]=2.50-6.20 vol.%, p(0)=0.3-1.3 bar; T(0)=298-423 K). Experiments were performed in a spherical vessel (Φ=10 cm) with central ignition. The deflagration (severity) index K(G), calculated from experimental values of maximum rates of pressure rise is examined against the adiabatic deflagration index, K(G, ad), computed from normal burning velocities and peak explosion pressures. At constant temperature and fuel/oxygen ratio, both the maximum rates of pressure rise and the deflagration indices are linear functions of total initial pressure, as reported for other fuel-air mixtures. At constant initial pressure and composition, the maximum rates of pressure rise and deflagration indices are slightly influenced by the initial temperature; some influence of the initial temperature on maximum rates of pressure rise is observed only for propane-air mixtures far from stoichiometric composition. The differentiated temperature influence on the normal burning velocities and the peak explosion pressures might explain this behaviour. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Innovative Composite Structure Design for Blast Protection

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

2007-01-0483 Innovative Composite Structure Design for Blast Protection Dongying Jiang, Yuanyuan Liu MKP Structural Design Associates, Inc...protect vehicle and occupants against various explosives. The multi-level and multi-scenario blast simulation and design system integrates three major...numerical simulation of a BTR composite under a blast event. The developed blast simulation and design system will enable the prediction, design, and

New geochemical insights into volcanic degassing.

PubMed

Edmonds, Marie

2008-12-28

Magma degassing plays a fundamental role in controlling the style of volcanic eruptions. Whether a volcanic eruption is explosive, or effusive, is of crucial importance to approximately 500 million people living in the shadow of hazardous volcanoes worldwide. Studies of how gases exsolve and separate from magma prior to and during eruptions have been given new impetus by the emergence of more accurate and automated methods to measure volatile species both as volcanic gases and dissolved in the glasses of erupted products. The composition of volcanic gases is dependent on a number of factors, the most important being magma composition and the depth of gas-melt segregation prior to eruption; this latter parameter has proved difficult to constrain in the past, yet is arguably the most critical for controlling eruptive style. Spectroscopic techniques operating in the infrared have proved to be of great value in measuring the composition of gases at high temporal resolution. Such methods, when used in tandem with microanalytical geochemical investigations of erupted products, are leading to better constraints on the depth at which gases are generated and separated from magma. A number of recent studies have focused on transitions between explosive and effusive activity and have led to a better understanding of gas-melt segregation at basaltic volcanoes. Other studies have focused on degassing during intermediate and silicic eruptions. Important new results include the recognition of fluxing by deep-derived gases, which buffer the amount of dissolved volatiles in the melt at shallow depths, and the observation of gas flow up permeable conduit wall shear zones, which may be the primary mechanism for gas loss at the cusp of the most explosive and unpredictable volcanic eruptions. In this paper, I review current and future directions in the field of geochemical studies of volcanic degassing processes and illustrate how the new insights are beginning to change the way in which we understand and classify volcanic eruptions.

Cross-linked Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte using Mesoporous Methacrylate-Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries

PubMed Central

Shin, Won-Kyung; Cho, Jinhyun; Kannan, Aravindaraj G.; Lee, Yoon-Sung; Kim, Dong-Won

2016-01-01

Liquid electrolytes composed of lithium salt in a mixture of organic solvents have been widely used for lithium-ion batteries. However, the high flammability of the organic solvents can lead to thermal runaway and explosions if the system is accidentally subjected to a short circuit or experiences local overheating. In this work, a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte was prepared and applied to lithium-ion polymer cells as a safer and more reliable electrolyte. Mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles containing reactive methacrylate groups as cross-linking sites were synthesized and dispersed into the fibrous polyacrylonitrile membrane. They directly reacted with gel electrolyte precursors containing tri(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, resulting in the formation of a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and favorable interfacial characteristics. The mesoporous SiO2 particles also served as HF scavengers to reduce the HF content in the electrolyte at high temperature. As a result, the cycling performance of the lithium-ion polymer cells with cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolytes employing methacrylate-functionalized mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles was remarkably improved at elevated temperatures. PMID:27189842

Double-pulse standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for versatile hazardous materials detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottfried, Jennifer L.; De Lucia, Frank C.; Munson, Chase A.; Miziolek, Andrzej W.

2007-12-01

We have developed a double-pulse standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (ST-LIBS) system capable of detecting a variety of hazardous materials at tens of meters. The use of a double-pulse laser improves the sensitivity and selectivity of ST-LIBS, especially for the detection of energetic materials. In addition to various metallic and plastic materials, the system has been used to detect bulk explosives RDX and Composition-B, explosive residues, biological species such as the anthrax surrogate Bacillus subtilis, and chemical warfare simulants at 20 m. We have also demonstrated the discrimination of explosive residues from various interferents on an aluminum substrate.

Molecular hydrodynamics of high explosives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belak, J.

1994-11-01

High explosives release mechanical energy through chemical reactions. Applications of high explosives are vast in the mining and military industries and are beginning to see more civilian applications such as the deployment of airbags in modern automobiles. One of the central issues surrounding explosive materials is decreasing their sensitivity, necessary for their safe handling, while maintaining a high yield. Many practical tests have been devised to determine the sensitivity of explosive materials to shock, to impact, to spark, and to friction. These tests have great value in determining yield and setting precautions for safe handling but tell little of themore » mechanisms of initiation. How is the mechanical energy of impact or friction transformed into the chemical excitation that initiates explosion? The answer is intimately related to the structure of the explosive material, the size and distribution of grains, the size and presence of open areas such as voids and gas bubbles, and inevitably the bonding between explosive molecules.« less

Mass distribution of orbiting man-made space debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bess, T. D.

1975-01-01

Three ways of producing space debris were considered, and data were analyzed to determine mass distributions for man-made space debris. Hypervelocity (3.0 to 4.5 km/sec) projectile impact with a spacecraft wall, high intensity explosions and low intensity explosions were studied. For hypervelocity projectile impact of a spacecraft wall, the number of fragments fits a power law. The number of fragments for both high intensity and low intensity explosions fits an exponential law. However, the number of fragments produced by low intensity explosions is much lower than the number of fragments produced by high intensity explosions. Fragment masses down to 10 to the -7 power gram were produced from hypervelocity impact, but the smallest fragment mass resulting from an explosion appeared to be about 10 mg. Velocities of fragments resulting from hypervelocity impact were about 10 m/sec, and those from low intensity explosions were about 100 m/sec. Velocities of fragments from high intensity explosions were about 3 km/sec.

Eruption style at Kīlauea Volcano in Hawai‘i linked to primary melt composition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sides. I.R.,; Edmonds, M.; Maclennan, J.; Swanson, Don; Houghton, Bruce F.

2014-01-01

Explosive eruptions at basaltic volcanoes have been linked to gas segregation from magmas at shallow depths in the crust. The composition of primary melts formed at greater depths was thought to have little influence on eruptive style. Ocean island basaltic volcanoes are the product of melting of a geochemically heterogeneous mantle plume and are expected to give rise to heterogeneous primary melts. This range in primary melt composition, particularly with respect to the volatile components, will profoundly influence magma buoyancy, storage and eruption style. Here we analyse the geochemistry of a suite of melt inclusions from 25 historical eruptions at the ocean island volcano of Kīlauea, Hawai‘i, over the past 600 years. We find that more explosive styles of eruption at Kīlauea Volcano are associated statistically with more geochemically enriched primary melts that have higher volatile concentrations. These enriched melts ascend faster and retain their primary nature, undergoing little interaction with the magma reservoir at the volcano’s summit. We conclude that the eruption style and magma-supply rate at Kīlauea are fundamentally linked to the geochemistry of the primary melts formed deep below the volcano. Magmas might therefore be predisposed towards explosivity right at the point of formation in their mantle source region.

Eigenvalue Detonation of Combined Effects Aluminized Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capellos, Christos; Baker, Ernest; Balas, Wendy; Nicolich, Steven; Stiel, Leonard

2007-06-01

This paper reports on the development of theory and performance for recently developed combined effects aluminized explosives. Traditional high energy explosives used for metal pushing incorporate high loading percentages of HMX or RDX, whereas blast explosives incorporate some percentage of aluminum. However, the high blast explosives produce increased blast energies, with reduced metal pushing capability due to late time aluminum reaction. Metal pushing capability refers to the early volume expansion work produced during the first few volume expansions associated with cylinder wall velocities and Gurney energies. Our Recently developed combined effects aluminized explosives (PAX-29C, PAX-30, PAX-42) are capable of achieving excellent metal pushing and high blast energies. Traditional Chapman-Jouguet detonation theory does not explain the observed detonation states achieved by these combined effects explosives. This work demonstrates, with the use of cylinder expansion data and thermochemical code calculations (JAGUAR and CHEETAH), that eigenvalue detonation theory explains the observed behavior.

The 1909 Chinyero eruption on Tenerife (Canary Islands): insights from historical accounts, and tephrostratigraphic and geochemical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Roberto, A.; Bertagnini, A.; Del Carlo, P.; Meletlidis, S.; Pompilio, M.

2016-12-01

The last eruption on Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) started on 18 November 1909 from the El Chinyero vent on the northwestern Santiago rift. This fissural eruption was well documented by scientists and eyewitnesses, but there is a lack of data on the high-energy phase that produced the most significant emissions of ash and lapilli at the onset of the eruption. Here, we review historical documents (e.g. newspapers, dispatches, telegrams); eyewitness accounts and scientific reports were reviewed from a volcanological perspective and integrated with data from the analysis of deposit features, allowing an accurate reconstruction of the eruption and its dynamics. The 1909 eruption of Chinyero was fed by a compositionally discrete magma batch that ascended rapidly within the crust, producing rather violent pulsating Strombolian explosive activity in the early phases of the eruption. This activity produced a ca. 80 m high scoria cone and heavy fallout of lapilli and ash over the entire northern sector of the island of Tenerife. The energy of explosive activity waned after 3 days, giving way to the weak Strombolian explosive activity that contributed to a lesser extent to the buildup of the pyroclastic pile. Eruptions such as those from the Chinyero vent in 1909 are representative of rift activity on Tenerife and constitute a volcanic hazard for present-day inhabitants.

V27 Test Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stofleth, Jerome H.; Tribble, Megan Kimberly; Crocker, Robert W.

2017-05-01

The V27 containment vessel was procured by the US Army Recovered Chemical Material Directorate ( RCMD ) as a replacement vessel for use on the P2 Explosive Destruction Systems. It is the third EDS vessel to be fabricated under Code Case 2564 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which provides rules for the design of impulsively loaded vessels. The explosive rating for the vessel, based on the Code Case, is nine (9) pounds TNT - equivalent for up to 637 detonations . This report documents the results of explosive tests that were done on the vessel at Sandiamore » National Laboratories in Albuquerque New Mexico to qualify the vessel for explosive use . The primary qualification test consisted of si x 1.5 pound charges of Composition C - 4 (equivalent to 11.25 pounds TNT) distributed around the vessel in accordance with the User Design Specification. Four subsequent tests using less explosive evaluated the effects of slight variations in orientation of the charges . All vessel acceptance criteria were met.« less

Understanding and Predicting the Thermal Explosion Violence of HMX-Based and RDX-Based Explosives - Experimental Measurements of Material Properties and Reaction Violence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maienschein, J L; Wardell, J F; Weese, R K

The violence of thermal explosions with energetic materials is affected by many material properties, including mechanical and thermal properties, thermal ignition kinetics, and deflagration behavior. These properties must be characterized for heated samples as well as pristine materials. We present available data for these properties for two HMX-based formulations--LX-04 and PBX-9501, and two RDX-based formulations--Composition B and PBXN-109. We draw upon separately published data on the thermal explosion violence with these materials to compare the material properties with the observed violence. We have the most extensive data on deflagration behavior of these four formulations, and we discuss the correlation ofmore » the deflagration data with the violence results. The data reported here may also be used to develop models for application in simulation codes such as ALE3D to calculate and Dredict thermal explosion violence.« less

Novel CE-MS technique for detection of high explosives using perfluorooctanoic acid as a MEKC and mass spectrometric complexation reagent.

PubMed

Brensinger, Karen; Rollman, Christopher; Copper, Christine; Genzman, Ashton; Rine, Jacqueline; Lurie, Ira; Moini, Mehdi

2016-01-01

To address the need for the forensic analysis of high explosives, a novel capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS) technique has been developed for high resolution, sensitivity, and mass accuracy detection of these compounds. The technique uses perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as both a micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) reagent for separation of neutral explosives and as the complexation reagent for mass spectrometric detection of PFOA-explosive complexes in the negative ion mode. High explosives that formed complexes with PFOA included RDX, HMX, tetryl, and PETN. Some nitroaromatics were detected as molecular ions. Detection limits in the high parts per billion range and linear calibration responses over two orders of magnitude were obtained. For proof of concept, the technique was applied to the quantitative analysis of high explosives in sand samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel concept of recycling sludge and dust to BOF converter through dispersed in-situ phase induced by composite ball explosive reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Fu-ping; Yu, Shu-juan; Fei, Peng; Hou, Hou-yu; Qian, Feng; Wang, Xiao-feng

2017-08-01

Recycling of iron and steelmaking dusts is a key issue in environmental protection efforts and to ensure efficient utilization. In this investigation, we developed a novel recovery process that uses a dispersed in-situ phase induced by an explosive reaction of composite balls of iron and steelmaking dusts. We designed and prepared composite balls for this function using a laboratory model batch-type balling disc (at 12 r/min) and optimized the feeding modes in 180-t and 260-t basic oxygen furnace (BOF) converters. The results indicate that feeding composite balls into BOF converters is an effective novel technology for recovering iron and steelmaking dusts. The period after hot metal charging and prior to the oxygen-blowing process is the most reasonable time to feed composite balls. Composite ball treatment is not appropriate for steel production with sulfur requirements lower than 80 ppm. The maximum composite ball feeding amount is 40 kg/t and the iron yield rate is better than 95%. Compared with the conventional recycling process of sludge and dust, this novel technology is more convenient and efficient, saving up to 309 RMB per ton of steel. Further investigation of this novel recycling technology is merited.

Armored garment for protecting

DOEpatents

Purvis, James W [Albuquerque, NM; Jones, II, Jack F.; Whinery, Larry D [Albuquerque, NM; Brazfield, Richard [Albuquerque, NM; Lawrie, Catherine [Tijeras, NM; Lawrie, David [Tijeras, NM; Preece, Dale S [Watkins, CO

2009-08-11

A lightweight, armored protective garment for protecting an arm or leg from blast superheated gases, blast overpressure shock, shrapnel, and spall from a explosive device, such as a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) or a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The garment has a ballistic sleeve made of a ballistic fabric, such as an aramid fiber (e.g., KEVLAR.RTM.) cloth, that prevents thermal burns from the blast superheated gases, while providing some protection from fragments. Additionally, the garment has two or more rigid armor inserts that cover the upper and lower arm and protect against high-velocity projectiles, shrapnel and spall. The rigid inserts can be made of multiple plies of a carbon/epoxy composite laminate. The combination of 6 layers of KEVLAR.RTM. fabric and 28 plies of carbon/epoxy laminate inserts (with the inserts being sandwiched in-between the KEVLAR.RTM. layers), can meet the level IIIA fragmentation minimum V.sub.50 requirements for the US Interceptor Outer Tactical Vest.

Field emission and explosive electron emission process in focused ion beam fabricated platinum and tungsten three-dimensional overhanging nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Abhishek Kumar

2018-06-01

Three-dimensional platinum and tungsten overhanging nanogap (∼70 nm) electrodes are fabricated on a glass substrate using focused ion beam milling and chemical vapour deposition processes. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the devices measured at a pressure of ∼10-6 mbar shows space-charge emission followed by the Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) field emission. After the F-N emission, the system enters into an explosive emission process, at a higher voltage generating a huge current. We observe a sharp and abrupt rise in the emission current which marks the transition from the F-N emission to the explosive emission state. The explosive emission process is destructive in nature and yields micro-/nano-size spherical metal particles. The chemical compositions and the size-distribution of such particles are performed.

Detonation Synthesis of Alpha-Variant Silicon Carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langenderfer, Martin; Johnson, Catherine; Fahrenholtz, William; Mochalin, Vadym

2017-06-01

A recent research study has been undertaken to develop facilities for conducting detonation synthesis of nanomaterials. This process involves a familiar technique that has been utilized for the industrial synthesis of nanodiamonds. Developments through this study have allowed for experimentation with the concept of modifying explosive compositions to induce synthesis of new nanomaterials. Initial experimentation has been conducted with the end goal being synthesis of alpha variant silicon carbide (α-SiC) in the nano-scale. The α-SiC that can be produced through detonation synthesis methods is critical to the ceramics industry because of a number of unique properties of the material. Conventional synthesis of α-SiC results in formation of crystals greater than 100 nm in diameter, outside nano-scale. It has been theorized that the high temperature and pressure of an explosive detonation can be used for the formation of α-SiC in the sub 100 nm range. This paper will discuss in detail the process development for detonation nanomaterial synthesis facilities, optimization of explosive charge parameters to maximize nanomaterial yield, and introduction of silicon to the detonation reaction environment to achieve first synthesis of nano-sized alpha variant silicon carbide.

An overview of the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bull, Katharine F.; Buurman, Helena

2013-06-01

In March 2009, Redoubt Volcano, Alaska erupted for the first time since 1990. Explosions ejected plumes that disrupted international and domestic airspace, sent lahars more than 35 km down the Drift River to the coast, and resulted in tephra fall on communities over 100 km away. Geodetic data suggest that magma began to ascend slowly from deep in the crust and reached mid- to shallow-crustal levels as early as May, 2008. Heat flux at the volcano during the precursory phase melted ~ 4% of the Drift glacier atop Redoubt's summit. Petrologic data indicate the deeply sourced magma, low-silica andesite, temporarily arrested at 9-11 km and/or at 4-6 km depth, where it encountered and mixed with segregated stored high-silica andesite bodies. The two magma compositions mixed to form intermediate-silica andesite, and all three magma types erupted during the earliest 2009 events. Only intermediate- and high-silica andesites were produced throughout the explosive and effusive phases of the eruption. The explosive phase began with a phreatic explosion followed by a seismic swarm, which signaled the start of lava effusion on March 22, shortly prior to the first magmatic explosion early on March 23, 2009 (UTC). More than 19 explosions (or “Events”) were produced over 13 days from a single vent immediately south of the 1989-90 lava domes. During that period multiple small pyroclastic density currents flowed primarily to the north and into glacial ravines, three major lahars flooded the Drift River Terminal over 35 km down-river on the coast, tephra fall deposited on all aspects of the edifice and on several communities north and east of the volcano, and at least two, and possibly three lava domes were emplaced. Lightning accompanied almost all the explosions. A shift in the eruptive character took place following Event 9 on March 27 in terms of infrasound signal onsets, the character of repeating earthquakes, and the nature of tephra ejecta. More than nine additional explosions occurred in the next two days, followed by a hiatus in explosive activity between March 29 and April 4. During this hiatus effusion of a lava dome occurred, whose growth slowed on or around April 2. The final explosion pulverized the very poorly vesicular dome on April 4, and was immediately followed by the extrusion of the final dome that ceased growing by July 1, 2009, and reached 72 M m3 in bulk volume. The dome remains as of this writing. Effusion of the final dome in the first month produced blocky intermediate- to high-silica andesite lava, which then expanded by means of lava injection beneath a fracturing and annealing, cooling surface crust. In the first week of May, a seismic swarm accompanied extrusion of an intermediate- to high-silica andesite from the apex of the dome that was highly vesicular and characterized by lower P2O5 content. The dome remained stable throughout its growth period likely due to combined factors that include an emptied conduit system, steady degassing through coalesced vesicles in the effusing lava, and a large crater-pit created by the previous explosions. We estimate the total volume of erupted material from the 2009 eruption to be between ~ 80 M and 120 M m3 dense-rock equivalent (DRE). The aim of this report is to synthesize the results from various datasets gathered both during the eruption and retrospectively, and which are represented by the papers in this publication. We therefore provide an overall view of the 2009 eruption and an introduction to this special issue publication.

A tale of two magmas: Petrological insights into mafic and intermediate Plinian volcanism at Volcán de Colima, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crummy, J. M.; Savov, I. P.; Morgan, D. J.; Wilson, M.; Loughlin, S.; Navarro-Ochoa, C.

2012-12-01

Volcán de Colima in western Mexico explosively erupts basaltic to high-silica andesitic magmas. Detailed petrological and geochemical analyses of Holocene tephra fallout deposits reveal two distinct magma types: I. typical calc-alkaline series magmas; and II. mixed calc-alkaline - alkaline magmas. Group I magmas comprise basalt to high-silica andesite (50.7 to 60.4 wt.% SiO2) and typically contain phenocrysts of plagioclase + clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + Fe-Ti oxides ± hornblende ± olivine. Crystallinity varies from 10-25 vol.% dominated by plagioclase in a groundmass comprising highly vesiculated glass with abundant microlites. Back-scatter electron (BSE) microscope images together with electron microprobe analyses (EPMA) reveal complex zoning patterns and compositional variations in plagioclase and pyroxene phenocrysts. Large scale resorption events with dissolution surfaces cross-cutting multiple growth zones, combined with large steps in An content of up to 20 mol.% in plagioclase, and Mg# varying from 0.74 to 0.86 in clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene, indicates destabilisation and recrystallisation in a more mafic melt: increases in Cr coincident with step increases in Mg# reveal mafic magma recharge. Many plagioclase and pyroxene phenocrysts record multiple magma recharge events; while small-scale oscillations reveal compositional fluctuations as a result of decompression and degassing. Group II magmas comprise basalt to basaltic-andesite (48.3 to 57.5 wt.% SiO2) and contain 10-15 vol.% crystals comprising clinopyroxene + olivine + phlogopite + plagioclase + Fe-Ti oxides ± hornblende ± orthopyroxene. The groundmass comprises highly vesiculated glass with abundant microlites of the same mineral phases. Clinopyroxene phenocrysts have magnesian cores (Mg# 0.88-0.89) that display strong dissolution with clear resorption and recrystallisation. EPMA analyses reveal large compositional differences with the surrounding growth zone (Mg# 0.80) indicating recrystallisation and re-equilibration within a compositionally different melt. This composition of the clinopyroxene is similar to that of the Group I magmas. Whole-rock geochemical and Sr and Nd isotopic analyses reveal strong trends in the Group II magmas towards the composition of monogenetic cinder cones composed of phlogopite-bearing alkaline lamprophyre situated to the north of Volcán de Colima. The alkaline magmas are thought to have formed from partial melting of metasomatically enriched veins within the lithospheric mantle. We suggest the high Mg clinopyroxene cores of the Group II magmas crystallised from such alkaline melts, which then mixed with the parental mantle-derived melts of the Group I magmas. Geothermometry and hygrometry based on mineral-mineral and mineral-melt equilibria reveal no correlation between variations in eruption temperature (930-1000°C) and magmatic H2O content (3-6 wt.%) with magma composition. This implies magma composition and volatile content are not controlling the highly explosive mafic and intermediate eruptions at Volcán de Colima, but rather, are driven by very fast ascent rates from source to surface.

A Comparative Study of Very High Burning Rate Materials - HIVELITE compositions 300511 and 300435

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

explosives and more or as sensitive as RDX and HMX . Thermal Sensitivity Differential Thermal Analysis/Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTA/TGA) Simultaneous...impact than Comp B end RDX but is less sensitive than lead azide. HIVELITE 30051i on the other hand, is less sensitive than Comp B and RDX on the ERL...represents the alpha to beta phase transition of KNO 3 . This endotherm is followed by four exotherms with peaks at 538 K (265*C), 567 K (2940C), 598 K

A study on structure and tribological properties of the electroerosion coating Mo-Ni-Cu, formed by the mixed method on copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanov, D. A.; Goncharova, E. N.; Gromov, V. E.; Ivanov, Yu F.

2016-09-01

Multi-layered coating from immiscible components based on the system Mo-Ni-Cu was formed by the combined method of electro-explosive sputtering and subsequent irradiation by high-intensity pulse electron beam of submillisecond duration of influence on the surface of electrical copper contact (M00 grade of copper). The structure and phase composition studies of the applied coating as well as its mechanical and tribological properties are carried out.

DMSO/base hydrolysis method for the disposal of high explosives and related energetic materials

DOEpatents

Desmare, Gabriel W.; Cates, Dillard M.

2002-05-14

High explosives and related energetic materials are treated via a DMSO/base hydrolysis method which renders them non-explosive and/or non-energetic. For example, high explosives such as 1,3,5,7-tetraaza-1,3,5,7-tetranitrocyclooctane (HMX), 1,3,5-triaza-1,3,5-trinitrocyclohexane (RDX), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), or mixtures thereof, may be dissolved in a polar, aprotic solvent and subsequently hydrolyzed by adding the explosive-containing solution to concentrated aqueous base. Major hydrolysis products typically include nitrite, formate, and nitrous oxide.

Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Enhancements in the Detection of Explosives

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

nitramines (e.g., RDX , HMX ) and aromatic compounds (e.g., DNT, TATB, TNT). 1. Types of Explosives and Chemical Composition Due to stability...resonance Raman spectra of TNT, RDX , HMX , and PETN using 40 UV wavelengths from 210 to 280 nm using a 90 collection geometry [32]. This study includes...Raman can result in a dramatic increase in the Raman scattering efficiency of select band(s) associated with the electronic transition . Other than

Density Estimation for New Solid and Liquid Explosives

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-17

The group additivity approach was shown to be applicable to density estimation. The densities of approximately 180 explosives and related compounds... of very diverse compositions were estimated, and almost all the estimates were quite reasonable. Of the 168 compounds for which direct comparisons...could be made (see Table 6), 36.9% of the estimated densities were within 1% of the measured densities, 33.3% were within 1-2%, 11.9% were within 2-3

Origin of maar volcanoes: external water, internal volatiles, or both?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rausch, J.; Schmincke, H.-U.

2012-04-01

The origin of maar volcanoes has been interpreted as due to explosive magma-water interaction for more than 40 years (Fisher and Waters 1970; Lorenz 1973 and Fisher and Schmincke 1984). Earlier suspicions that CO2-degassing plays a role in maar formation (Schmincke 1977) are now followed up by re-examining maar deposits of four different compositions in the maar-type locality (Eifel, Germany). These four compositions comprise: (1) melilite-nephelinites (West Eifel), (2) leucitites/nephelinites (West Eifel), (3) Na-rich basanites (West Eifel), and (4) K-rich basanites (East Eifel). At present, we focus on high-resolution stratigraphy, sedimentology, grain-size distribution, component analysis (accidental vs. juvenile clasts), and morphological and textural particle studies, accompanied by standard glass and bulk chemical and mineralogical analyses. Interestingly, maar deposits of highly silica-undersaturated and - by inference - CO2-rich composition (melilite-nephelinites and leucitites/nephelinites) show features contrasting with the classical catalogue of criteria for hydroclastic fragmentation (Fisher and Schmincke 1984). Their deposits are medium- to coarse-grained (MdØ mainly: 2 - 8 mm), mostly moderate- to well-sorted (σØ mainly: 1 - 2.5) and in some cases juvenile-rich (up to 50-70 wt. %). Transport and depositional mechanisms comprise a mixture of surge and fallout differing from the general assumption that maar deposits are dominated by surges. Additionally, features of juvenile clasts of highly silica-undersaturated composition largely differ from the features of "classic" hydroclastic particles (e.g.: dense, blocky, glassy shards). Juvenile clasts of highly silica-undersaturated composition show: (a) round- to semiround morphologies, (b) slight- to moderate vesicularities, (c) near absence of glassy material, (d) abundance of deep-seated xenoliths (mantle and lower crust), (e) agglutinated lava rinds enveloping the mantle- and crust-xenoliths, and (f) carbonate fragments, most probably of magmatic origin, within the groundmass. In contrast, basanitic maar deposits - by inference with low CO2 concentrations - and particularly their juvenile clasts show more conventional features of hydroclastic fragmentation processes. They are finer-grained, moderate- to poorly-sorted, extremely lithoclast-rich, and the juvenile clasts are generally angular, slightly- to non-vesicular and glassy. Moreover, deep-seated xenoliths and carbonate fragments are lacking. At this stage in our study we postulate that the high CO2 concentrations of highly silica-undersaturated maar volcanoes in the West Eifel could have played a significant role in maar-forming processes. These magmas may have undergone magmatic fragmentation due to rapid CO2-exsolution prior to shallow magma-water interaction resulting in explosive eruptions governed by both, magmatic and phreatomagmatic fragmentation and eruptive processes.

Controls on Explosive Eruptions along the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, M.; Asimow, P. D.; Lund, D. C.

2016-12-01

Sediment core OC170-26-159 was retrieved at 38.967°S, 111.35°W, a location that was 8-9km away from the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge (PAR) axis at the time of Glacial Termination II (T-II), 130ka, a period characterized by enhanced flux of hydrothermal metals to the near-ridge sediments on the East Pacific Rise (Lund et. al. 2016). An interval of enhanced Ti content in OC170-26-159 during T-II is rich in basaltic glass shards that we interpret to be the products of explosive submarine volcanic eruptions. Explosive eruptions of this scale are rare at mid-ocean ridges, so we studied the glass to evaluate whether sea level driven modulation in magmatic flux might be related to the frequency of such events though emplacement of distinct compositions or volatile contents. We report major element and volatile content data for the basaltic glasses and compare the results to literature data (PetDB) from on-axis sampling of the nearest ridge segment, to assess whether the glass was derived from the ridge axis and if it is unusual compared to the axial samples. Major element compositional data show that the glasses are a nearly homogenous population (MgO 5.8 to 6.5%). The heterogeneity is similar to that in single flows in Iceland (Maclennan et. al. 2003) and Hawaii (Garcia et. al. 2000), but the shards are dispersed across a gradient in δ18O, suggesting a closely spaced series of similar eruptions. The glasses are more evolved than any effusively erupted basalts on the PAR, yet are consistent with the same liquid line of descent, linking the explosive products to the axial magmatic system. The MELTS thermodynamic model allows us to calculate the changes in multiple variables along the liquid line of descent between the axial and explosive liquid compositions. Comparison of H2O and CO2 contents to those from axial flows will constrain whether variations in these components are related to eruption styles. These results will constrain the connection between sea level driven variations in magma supply rate, hydrothermal activity, thermal state of the axial magma chamber, volatile exsolution, and the potential for explosive submarine eruptions.

A high-throughput investigation of Fe-Cr-Al as a novel high-temperature coating for nuclear cladding materials.

PubMed

Bunn, Jonathan Kenneth; Fang, Randy L; Albing, Mark R; Mehta, Apurva; Kramer, Matthew J; Besser, Matthew F; Hattrick-Simpers, Jason R

2015-07-10

High-temperature alloy coatings that can resist oxidation are urgently needed as nuclear cladding materials to mitigate the danger of hydrogen explosions during meltdown. Here we apply a combination of computationally guided materials synthesis, high-throughput structural characterization and data analysis tools to investigate the feasibility of coatings from the Fe–Cr–Al alloy system. Composition-spread samples were synthesized to cover the region of the phase diagram previous bulk studies have identified as forming protective oxides. The metallurgical and oxide phase evolution were studied via in situ synchrotron glancing incidence x-ray diffraction at temperatures up to 690 K. A composition region with an Al concentration greater than 3.08 at%, and between 20.0 at% and 32.9 at% Cr showed the least overall oxide growth. Subsequently, a series of samples were deposited on stubs and their oxidation behavior at 1373 K was observed. The continued presence of a passivating oxide was confirmed in this region over a period of 6 h.

Rare Isotopes in Cosmic Explosions and Accelerators on Earth

ScienceCinema

Schatz, Hendrick

2017-12-28

Rare isotopes are nature’s stepping stones to produce the heavy elements, and they are produced in large quantities in stellar explosions. Despite their fleeting existence, they shape the composition of the universe and the observable features of stellar explosions. The challenge for nuclear science is to produce and study the very same rare isotopes so as to understand the origin of the elements and a range of astronomical observations. I will review the progress that has been made to date in astronomy and nuclear physics, and the prospects of finally addressing many of the outstanding issues with the future Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), which DOE will build at Michigan State University.

Frequency and volumes of ignimbrite eruptions following the Late Neogene initiation of the Central Oregon High Cascades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitcher, Bradley W.; Kent, Adam J. R.; Grunder, Anita L.; Duncan, Robert A.

2017-06-01

The late Neogene Deschutes Formation of central Oregon preserves a remarkable volcanic and sedimentary record of the initial stages of High Cascades activity following an eastward shift in the locus of volcanism at 7.5 Ma. Numerous ignimbrite and tephra-fall units are contained within the formation, and since equivalent deposits are relatively rare for the Quaternary Cascades, the eruptions of the earliest High Cascade volcanoes were likely more explosive than those of the Quaternary arc. In this study, the timing and frequency of eruptions which produced 14 laterally extensive marker ignimbrites within the Deschutes Formation are established using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Plagioclase 40Ar/39Ar ages for the lowermost (6.25 ± 0.07 Ma) and uppermost (5.45 ± 0.04 Ma) marker ignimbrites indicate that all major explosive eruptions within the Deschutes Formation occurred within a period of 800 ± 54 k.y. (95% confidence interval). Minimum estimates for the volumes of the 14 ignimbrites, using an ArcGIS-based method, range from 1.0 to 9.4 km3 and have a total volume of 62.5 km3. Taken over the 50 km of arc length, the explosive volcanic production rate of the central Oregon High Cascades during Deschutes Formation time was a minimum of 1.8 km3/m.y./km of arc length. By including estimates of the volumes of tephra-fall components, as well as ignimbrites that may have traveled west, we estimate a total volume range, for these 14 eruptions alone, of 188 to 363 km3 ( 121 to 227 km3 DRE), a rate of 4.7-9.1 km3/m.y./km arc length. This explosive volcanic production rate is much higher than the average Quaternary eruption rates, of all compositions, estimated for the entire Cascade arc (1.5-2.5), Alaska Peninsula segment of the Aleutian arc (0.6-1.0), and the Andean southern volcanic zone (1.1-2.0). We suggest that this atypical explosive pulse may result from the onset of regional extension and migration of the magmatic arc, which had the combined effect of increasing magmatic flux and temporarily enhancing melting of more fusible crust.

Characterization of high explosive particles using cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Gillen, Greg; Mahoney, Christine; Wight, Scott; Lareau, Richard

2006-01-01

The use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for the detection and spatially resolved analysis of individual high explosive particles is described. A C(8) (-) carbon cluster primary ion beam was used in a commercial SIMS instrument to analyze samples of high explosives dispersed as particles on silicon substrates. In comparison with monatomic primary ion bombardment, the carbon cluster primary ion beam was found to greatly enhance characteristic secondary ion signals from the explosive compounds while causing minimal beam-induced degradation. The resistance of these compounds to degradation under ion bombardment allows explosive particles to be analyzed under high primary ion dose bombardment (dynamic SIMS) conditions, facilitating the rapid acquisition of spatially resolved molecular information. The use of cluster SIMS combined with computer control of the sample stage position allows for the automated identification and counting of explosive particle distributions on silicon surfaces. This will be useful for characterizing the efficiency of transfer of particulates in trace explosive detection portal collectors and/or swipes utilized for ion mobility spectrometry applications.

75 FR 25879 - Notice of Proposed Supplementary Rules Concerning Fireworks on Public Land in Colorado

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-10

... thirty milligrams of explosive material, aerial shells containing more than forty grams of pyrotechnic..., total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed seventy-five grams each for a single tube or, when more than... grams; (II) Cone fountains, total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed fifty grams each for a single...

Ageing of Insensitive DNAN Based Melt-Cast Explosives

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

diurnal cycle (representative of the MEAO climate). Analysis of the ingredient composition, sensitiveness, mechanical and thermal properties was...first test condition was chosen to provide a worst-case scenario. Analysis of the ingredient composition, theoretical maximum density, sensitiveness...5 4.1.1 ARX-4027 Ingredient Analysis .............................................................. 5 4.1.2 ARX-4028 Ingredient Analysis

Intermittent Explosive Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement

PubMed Central

McLaughlin, Katie A.; Green, Jennifer Greif; Hwang, Irving; Sampson, Nancy A.; Zaslavsky, Alan M.; Kessler, Ronald C.

2012-01-01

Context Epidemiologic studies of adults show that DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a highly prevalent and seriously impairing disorder. Although retrospective reports in these studies suggest that IED typically begins in childhood, no previous epidemiologic research has directly examined the prevalence or correlates of IED among youth. Objective To present epidemiologic data on the prevalence and correlates of IED among US adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. Design United States survey of adolescent (age, 13–17 years) DSM-IV anxiety, mood, behavior, and substance disorders. Setting Dual-frame household-school samples. Participants A total of 6483 adolescents (interviews) and parents (questionnaires). Main Outcome Measures The DSM-IV disorders were assessed with the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Results Nearly two-thirds of adolescents (63.3%) reported lifetime anger attacks that involved destroying property, threatening violence, or engaging in violence. Of these, 7.8% met DSM-IV/CIDI criteria for lifetime IED. Intermittent explosive disorder had an early age at onset (mean age, 12.0 years) and was highly persistent, as indicated by 80.1% of lifetime cases (6.2% of all respondents) meeting 12-month criteria for IED. Injuries related to IED requiring medical attention reportedly occurred 52.5 times per 100 lifetime cases. In addition, IED was significantly comorbid with a wide range of DSM-IV/CIDI mood, anxiety, and substance disorders, with 63.9% of lifetime cases meeting criteria for another such disorder. Although more than one-third (37.8%) of adolescents with 12-month IED received treatment for emotional problems in the year before the interview, only 6.5% of respondents with 12-month IED were treated specifically for anger. Conclusions Intermittent explosive disorder is a highly prevalent, persistent, and seriously impairing adolescent mental disorder that is both understudied and undertreated. Research is needed to uncover risk and protective factors for the disorder, develop strategies for screening and early detection, and identify effective treatments. PMID:22752056

Intermittent explosive disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Katie A; Green, Jennifer Greif; Hwang, Irving; Sampson, Nancy A; Zaslavsky, Alan M; Kessler, Ronald C

2012-11-01

Epidemiologic studies of adults show that DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a highly prevalent and seriously impairing disorder. Although retrospective reports in these studies suggest that IED typically begins in childhood, no previous epidemiologic research has directly examined the prevalence or correlates of IED among youth. To present epidemiologic data on the prevalence and correlates of IED among US adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. United States survey of adolescent (age, 13-17 years) DSM-IV anxiety, mood, behavior, and substance disorders. Dual-frame household-school samples. A total of 6483 adolescents (interviews) and parents (questionnaires). The DSM-IV disorders were assessed with the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Nearly two-thirds of adolescents (63.3%) reported lifetime anger attacks that involved destroying property, threatening violence, or engaging in violence. Of these, 7.8% met DSM-IV/CIDI criteria for lifetime IED. Intermittent explosive disorder had an early age at onset (mean age, 12.0 years) and was highly persistent, as indicated by 80.1% of lifetime cases (6.2% of all respondents) meeting 12-month criteria for IED. Injuries related to IED requiring medical attention reportedly occurred 52.5 times per 100 lifetime cases. In addition, IED was significantly comorbid with a wide range of DSMIV/CIDI mood, anxiety, and substance disorders, with 63.9% of lifetime cases meeting criteria for another such disorder. Although more than one-third (37.8%) of adolescents with 12-month IED received treatment for emotional problems in the year before the interview, only 6.5% of respondents with 12-month IED were treated specifically for anger. Intermittent explosive disorder is a highly prevalent, persistent, and seriously impairing adolescent mental disorder that is both understudied and undertreated. Research is needed to uncover risk and protective factors for the disorder, develop strategies for screening and early detection, and identify effective treatments.

Thermal reactive hazards of HMX with contaminants.

PubMed

Peng, Deng-Jr; Chang, Cheng-Ming; Chiu, Miin

2004-10-18

In the past, many unexpected runaway accidents occurred in manufacturing processes, involving volatile chemical and explosive storage and transportation. Incompatible product reactions of high explosives must be carefully considered using loss prevention strategies for thermal hazards risk analysis. High explosive reactions vary via environmental changes, contact materials, or process situations, such as onset temperature and shifts in reaction type when high explosives are in contact with contaminants. Therefore, the manufacture and handling of high explosives require the utmost in safety and loss prevention. HMX (cyclotetramethyene tetranitramine) is one kind of high explosive widely used around the world which is stable with high detonation strength properties. In this study, the influences of contaminants on HMX are investigated. The studied contaminants include ferrous chloride tetrahydrate, ferric chloride hexahydrate, acetone solution, acetic acid, and nitric acid. DSC thermal curves and incompatible reaction kinetic evaluations were preformed using iron, chlorine and acid. Organic acetone solution has lesser effects on HMX. Hopefully, this study will lead to improved thermal hazards risk analysis and reduce accidents.

High temperature detonator

DOEpatents

Johnson, James O.; Dinegar, Robert H.

1988-01-01

A detonator assembly is provided which is usable at high temperatures about 300.degree. C. A detonator body is provided with an internal volume defining an anvil surface. A first acceptor explosive is disposed on the anvil surface. A donor assembly having an ignition element, an explosive material, and a flying plate, are placed in the body effective to accelerate the flying plate to impact the first acceptor explosive on the anvil for detonating the first acceptor explosive. A second acceptor explosive is eccentrically located in detonation relationship with the first acceptor explosive to thereafter effect detonation of a main charge.

Demonstrating damage tolerance of composite airframes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, Clarence C., Jr.

1993-01-01

Commercial transport aircraft operating in the United States are certified by the Federal Aviation Authority to be damage tolerant. On 28 April 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243, a Boeing 727-200 airplane, suffered an explosive decompression of the fuselage but landed safely. This event provides very strong justification for the damage tolerant design criteria. The likely cause of the explosive decompression was the linkup of numerous small fatigue cracks that initiated at adjacent fastener holes in the lap splice joint at the side of the body. Actually, the design should have limited the damage size to less than two frame spacings (about 40 inches), but this type of 'multi-site damage' was not originally taken into account. This cracking pattern developed only in the high-time airplanes (many flights). After discovery in the fleet, a stringent inspection program using eddy current techniques was inaugurated to discover these cracks before they linked up. Because of concerns about safety and the maintenance burden, the lap-splice joints of these high-time airplanes are being modified to remove cracks and prevent new cracking; newer designs account for 'multi-site damage'.

HERMES: A Model to Describe Deformation, Burning, Explosion, and Detonation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reaugh, J E

2011-11-22

HERMES (High Explosive Response to MEchanical Stimulus) was developed to fill the need for a model to describe an explosive response of the type described as BVR (Burn to Violent Response) or HEVR (High Explosive Violent Response). Characteristically this response leaves a substantial amount of explosive unconsumed, the time to reaction is long, and the peak pressure developed is low. In contrast, detonations characteristically consume all explosive present, the time to reaction is short, and peak pressures are high. However, most of the previous models to describe explosive response were models for detonation. The earliest models to describe the responsemore » of explosives to mechanical stimulus in computer simulations were applied to intentional detonation (performance) of nearly ideal explosives. In this case, an ideal explosive is one with a vanishingly small reaction zone. A detonation is supersonic with respect to the undetonated explosive (reactant). The reactant cannot respond to the pressure of the detonation before the detonation front arrives, so the precise compressibility of the reactant does not matter. Further, the mesh sizes that were practical for the computer resources then available were large with respect to the reaction zone. As a result, methods then used to model detonations, known as {beta}-burn or program burn, were not intended to resolve the structure of the reaction zone. Instead, these methods spread the detonation front over a few finite-difference zones, in the same spirit that artificial viscosity is used to spread the shock front in inert materials over a few finite-difference zones. These methods are still widely used when the structure of the reaction zone and the build-up to detonation are unimportant. Later detonation models resolved the reaction zone. These models were applied both to performance, particularly as it is affected by the size of the charge, and to situations in which the stimulus was less than that needed for reliable performance, whether as a result of accident, hazard, or a fault in the detonation train. These models describe the build-up of detonation from a shock stimulus. They are generally consistent with the mesoscale picture of ignition at many small defects in the plane of the shock front and the growth of the resulting hot-spots, leading to detonation in heterogeneous explosives such as plastic-bonded explosives (PBX). The models included terms for ignition, and also for the growth of reaction as tracked by the local mass fraction of product gas, {lambda}. The growth of reaction in such models incorporates a form factor that describes the change of surface area per unit volume (specific surface area) as the reaction progresses. For unimolecular crystalline-based explosives, the form factor is consistent with the mesoscale picture of a galaxy of hot spots burning outward and eventually interacting with each other. For composite explosives and propellants, where the fuel and oxidizer are segregated, the diffusion flame at the fuel-oxidizer interface can be interpreted with a different form factor that corresponds to grains burning inward from their surfaces. The form factor influences the energy release rate, and the amount of energy released in the reaction zone. Since the 19th century, gun and cannon propellants have used perforated geometric shapes that produce an increasing surface area as the propellant burns. This helps maintain the pressure as burning continues while the projectile travels down the barrel, which thereby increases the volume of the hot gas. Interior ballistics calculations use a geometric form factor to describe the changing surface area precisely. As a result, with a suitably modified form factor, detonation models can represent burning and explosion in damaged and broken reactant. The disadvantage of such models in application to accidents is that the ignition term does not distinguish between a value of pressure that results from a shock, and the same pressure that results from a more gradual increase. This disagrees with experiments, where explosives were subjected to a gradual rise in pressure and did not exhibit reaction. More recent models do distinguish between slow pressure rises and shocks, and have had some success in the describing the response of explosives to single and multiple shocks, and the increase of shock sensitivity with porosity, at least over a limited range. The original formulation is appropriate for sustained shocks, but further work is ongoing to describe the response to short pulses. The HERMES model combines features from these prior models. It describes burning and explosion in damaged reactant, and also will develop a detonation if the gradual rise in pressure from burning steepens into a strong-enough shock. The shock strength needed for detonation in a fixed run distance decreases with increasing porosity.« less

Hierarchically Flower-like N-Doped Porous Carbon Materials Derived from an Explosive 3-Fold Interpenetrating Diamondoid Copper Metal-Organic Framework for a Supercapacitor.

PubMed

Li, Zuo-Xi; Zou, Kang-Yu; Zhang, Xue; Han, Tong; Yang, Ying

2016-07-05

A peculiar copper metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) was synthesized by a self-assembly method, which presents a 3-fold interpenetrating diamondoid net based on the square-planar Cu(II) node. Although it exhibits a high degree of interpenetration, the Cu-MOF still exhibits a one-dimensional channel, which provides a template for constructing porous materials through the "precursor" strategy. Furthermore, the explosive ClO4(-) ion, which resided in the channel, could induce the quick decomposition of organic ingredients and release a huge amount of gas, which is beneficial for the porosity of postsynthetic materials. Significantly, we first utilize this explosive MOF to prepare a series of Cu@C composites through the calcination-thermolysis method at different temperatures, which contain copper particles exhibiting various shapes and combinations with the carbon substrate. Considering the hole-forming effect of copper particles, Cu@C composites were etched by HCl to afford a sequence of hierarchically flower-like N-doped porous carbon materials (NPCs), which retain the original morphology of the Cu-MOF. Interestingly, NPC-900, originating from the calcination of the Cu-MOF at 900 °C, exhibits a more regular flower-like morphology, the largest specific surface area, abundant porosities, and multiple nitrogen functionalities. The remarkable specific capacitances are 138 F g(-1) at 5 mV s(-1) and 149 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) for the NPC-900 electrode in a 6 M potassium hydroxide aqueous solution. Moreover, the retention of capacitance remains 86.8% (125 F g(-1)) at 1 A g(-1) over 2000 cycles, which displays good chemical stability. These findings suggest that NPC-900 can be applied as a suitable electrode for a supercapacitor.

Fast evolving pair-instability supernovae

DOE PAGES

Kozyreva, Alexandra; Gilmer, Matthew; Hirschi, Raphael; ...

2016-10-06

With an increasing number of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) discovered the ques- tion of their origin remains open and causes heated debates in the supernova commu- nity. Currently, there are three proposed mechanisms for SLSNe: (1) pair-instability supernovae (PISN), (2) magnetar-driven supernovae, and (3) models in which the su- pernova ejecta interacts with a circumstellar material ejected before the explosion. Based on current observations of SLSNe, the PISN origin has been disfavoured for a number of reasons. Many PISN models provide overly broad light curves and too reddened spectra, because of massive ejecta and a high amount of nickel. In themore » cur- rent study we re-examine PISN properties using progenitor models computed with the GENEC code. We calculate supernova explosions with FLASH and light curve evolu- tion with the radiation hydrodynamics code STELLA. We find that high-mass models (200 M⊙ and 250 M⊙) at relatively high metallicity (Z=0.001) do not retain hydro- gen in the outer layers and produce relatively fast evolving PISNe Type I and might be suitable to explain some SLSNe. We also investigate uncertainties in light curve modelling due to codes, opacities, the nickel-bubble effect and progenitor structure and composition.« less

DoD Contractors’ Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-09-01

grit, and other foreign material into operating buildings. 9. Windows and skylights . Non-shatterable glazing is preferred where an explosion...with the explosives being processed. Dull or damaged tools shall not be used for machining high explosives. k. The explosives products resulting from

Shock wave induced condensation in fuel-rich gaseous and gas-particles mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fomin, P. A.

2018-03-01

The possibility of fuel vapor condensation in shock waves in fuel-rich (cyclohexane-oxygen) gaseous mixtures and explosion safety aspects of this effect are discussed. It is shown, that condensation process can essentially change the chemical composition of the gas. For example, the molar fraction of the oxidizer can increase in a few times. As a result, mixtures in which the initial concentration of fuel vapor exceeds the Upper Flammability Limit can, nevertheless, explode, if condensation shifts the composition of the mixture into the ignition region. The rate of the condensation process is estimated. This process can be fast enough to significantly change the chemical composition of the gas and shift it into the flammable range during the compression phase of blast waves, generated by explosions of fuel-vapor clouds or rapture of pressurized chemical reactors, with characteristic size of a few meters. It is shown that the presence of chemically inert microparticles in the gas mixtures under consideration increases the degree of supercooling and the mass of fuel vapors that have passed into the liquid and reduces the characteristic condensation time in comparison with the gas mixture without microparticles. The fuel vapor condensation should be taken into account in estimation the explosion hazard of chemical reactors, industrial and civil constructions, which may contain fuel-rich gaseous mixtures of heavy hydrocarbons with air.

Aggression, Suicidality, and Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Serotonergic Correlates in Personality Disorder and Healthy Control Subjects

PubMed Central

Coccaro, Emil F; Lee, Royce; Kavoussi, Richard J

2010-01-01

Central serotonergic (5-HT) activity has long been implicated in the regulation of impulsive aggressive behavior. This study was performed to use a highly selective agent for 5-HT (d-Fenfluramine, d-FEN) in a large group of human subjects to further explore this relationship dimensionally and categorically. One hundred and fifty healthy subjects (100 with personality disorder, PD and 50 healthy volunteer controls, HV) underwent d-FEN challenge studies. Residual peak delta prolactin (ΔPRL[d-FEN]-R; ie, after the removal of potentially confounding variables) was used as the primary 5-HT response variable. Composite measures of aggression and impulsivity were used as dimensional measures, and history of suicidal/self-injurious behavior as well as the presence of intermittent explosive disorder (IED) were used as categorical variables. ΔPRL[d-FEN]-R responses correlated inversely with composite aggression, but not composite impulsivity, in all subjects and in males and females examined separately. The correlation with composite aggression was strongest in male PD subjects. ΔPRL[d-FEN]-R values were reduced in PD subjects with a history of suicidal behavior but not, self-injurious behavior. ΔPRL[d-FEN]-R values were also reduced in patients meeting Research Criteria for IED. Physiologic responses to 5-HT stimulation are reduced as a function of aggression (but not generalized impulsivity) in human subjects. The same is true for personality disordered subjects with a history of suicidal, but not self-injurious, behavior and for subjects with a diagnosis of IED by research criteria. These data have particular relevance to the notion of impulsive aggression and the biological validity of IED. PMID:19776731

Promising New High-Explosives: Triaminoguanidinium (TAG) and Dinitramide (DN) Salts

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

1 PROMISING NEW HIGH- EXPLOSIVES : TRIAMINOGUANIDINIUM (TAG) AND DINITRAMIDE (DN) SALTS Thomas M. Klapötke,* Norbert Mayr, L.d.R. and Jörg...Me-AtNO2, 4) shows great explosion performance and may be an alternative to commonly used and toxic RDX. An improved synthesis for the promising...Including the good thermal stability 9 could be an alternative to RDX as a high explosive . In addition, the thermal behavior under confinement and the

Quantitative understanding of explosive stimulus transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schimmel, M. L.

1973-01-01

The mechanisms of detonation transfer across hermetically sealed interfaces created by necessary interruptions in high explosive trains, such as at detonators to explosive columns, field joints in explosive columns, and components of munitions fuse trains are demostrated. Reliability of detonation transfer is limited by minimizing explosive quantities, the use of intensitive explosives for safety, and requirements to propagate across gaps and angles dictated by installation and production restraints. The major detonation transfer variables studied were: explosive quanity, sensitivity, and thickness, and the separation distances between donor and acceptor explosives.

Green primary explosives: 5-Nitrotetrazolato-N2-ferrate hierarchies

PubMed Central

Huynh, My Hang V.; Coburn, Michael D.; Meyer, Thomas J.; Wetzler, Modi

2006-01-01

The sensitive explosives used in initiating devices like primers and detonators are called primary explosives. Successful detonations of secondary explosives are accomplished by suitable sources of initiation energy that is transmitted directly from the primaries or through secondary explosive boosters. Reliable initiating mechanisms are available in numerous forms of primers and detonators depending upon the nature of the secondary explosives. The technology of initiation devices used for military and civilian purposes continues to expand owing to variations in initiating method, chemical composition, quantity, sensitivity, explosive performance, and other necessary built-in mechanisms. Although the most widely used primaries contain toxic lead azide and lead styphnate, mixtures of thermally unstable primaries, like diazodinitrophenol and tetracene, or poisonous agents, like antimony sulfide and barium nitrate, are also used. Novel environmentally friendly primary explosives are expanded here to include cat[FeII(NT)3(H2O)3], cat2[FeII(NT)4(H2O)2], cat3[FeII(NT)5(H2O)], and cat4[FeII(NT)6] with cat = cation and NT− = 5-nitrotetrazolato-N2. With available alkaline, alkaline earth, and organic cations as partners, four series of 5-nitrotetrazolato-N2-ferrate hierarchies have been prepared that provide a plethora of green primaries with diverse initiating sensitivity and explosive performance. They hold great promise for replacing not only toxic lead primaries but also thermally unstable primaries and poisonous agents. Strategies are also described for the systematic preparation of coordination complex green primaries based on appropriate selection of ligands, metals, and synthetic procedures. These strategies allow for maximum versatility in initiating sensitivity and explosive performance while retaining properties required for green primaries. PMID:16803957

Green primary explosives: 5-nitrotetrazolato-N2-ferrate hierarchies.

PubMed

Huynh, My Hang V; Coburn, Michael D; Meyer, Thomas J; Wetzler, Modi

2006-07-05

The sensitive explosives used in initiating devices like primers and detonators are called primary explosives. Successful detonations of secondary explosives are accomplished by suitable sources of initiation energy that is transmitted directly from the primaries or through secondary explosive boosters. Reliable initiating mechanisms are available in numerous forms of primers and detonators depending upon the nature of the secondary explosives. The technology of initiation devices used for military and civilian purposes continues to expand owing to variations in initiating method, chemical composition, quantity, sensitivity, explosive performance, and other necessary built-in mechanisms. Although the most widely used primaries contain toxic lead azide and lead styphnate, mixtures of thermally unstable primaries, like diazodinitrophenol and tetracene, or poisonous agents, like antimony sulfide and barium nitrate, are also used. Novel environmentally friendly primary explosives are expanded here to include cat[Fe(II)(NT)(3)(H(2)O)(3)], cat(2)[Fe(II)(NT)(4)(H(2)O)(2)], cat(3)[Fe(II)(NT)(5)(H(2)O)], and cat(4)[Fe(II)(NT)(6)] with cat = cation and NT(-) = 5-nitrotetrazolato-N(2). With available alkaline, alkaline earth, and organic cations as partners, four series of 5-nitrotetrazolato-N(2)-ferrate hierarchies have been prepared that provide a plethora of green primaries with diverse initiating sensitivity and explosive performance. They hold great promise for replacing not only toxic lead primaries but also thermally unstable primaries and poisonous agents. Strategies are also described for the systematic preparation of coordination complex green primaries based on appropriate selection of ligands, metals, and synthetic procedures. These strategies allow for maximum versatility in initiating sensitivity and explosive performance while retaining properties required for green primaries.

Pretreatment efficiency and structural characterization of rice straw by an integrated process of dilute-acid and steam explosion for bioethanol production.

PubMed

Chen, Wen-Hua; Pen, Ben-Li; Yu, Ching-Tsung; Hwang, Wen-Song

2011-02-01

The combined pretreatment of rice straw using dilute-acid and steam explosion followed by enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated and compared with acid-catalyzed steam explosion pretreatment. In addition to measuring the chemical composition, including glucan, xylan and lignin content, changes in rice straw features after pretreatment were investigated in terms of the straw's physical properties. These properties included crystallinity, surface area, mean particle size and scanning electron microscopy imagery. The effect of acid concentration on the acid-catalyzed steam explosion was studied in a range between 1% and 15% acid at 180°C for 2 min. We also investigated the influence of the residence time of the steam explosion in the combined pretreatment and the optimum conditions for the dilute-acid hydrolysis step in order to develop an integrated process for the dilute-acid and steam explosion. The optimum operational conditions for the first dilute-acid hydrolysis step were determined to be 165°C for 2 min with 2% H(2)SO(4) and for the second steam explosion step was to be carried out at 180°C for 20 min; this gave the most favorable combination in terms of an integrated process. We found that rice straw pretreated by the dilute-acid/steam explosions had a higher xylose yield, a lower level of inhibitor in the hydrolysate and a greater degree of enzymatic hydrolysis; this resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the overall sugar yield when compared to the acid-catalyzed steam explosion. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding the shock and detonation response of high explosives at the continuum and meso scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handley, C. A.; Lambourn, B. D.; Whitworth, N. J.; James, H. R.; Belfield, W. J.

2018-03-01

The shock and detonation response of high explosives has been an active research topic for more than a century. In recent years, high quality data from experiments using embedded gauges and other diagnostic techniques have inspired the development of a range of new high-fidelity computer models for explosives. The experiments and models have led to new insights, both at the continuum scale applicable to most shock and detonation experiments, and at the mesoscale relevant to hotspots and burning within explosive microstructures. This article reviews the continuum and mesoscale models, and their application to explosive phenomena, gaining insights to aid future model development and improved understanding of the physics of shock initiation and detonation propagation. In particular, it is argued that "desensitization" and the effect of porosity on high explosives can both be explained by the combined effect of thermodynamics and hydrodynamics, rather than the traditional hotspot-based explanations linked to pressure-dependent reaction rates.

Compositional and Textural Analysis of Maar-Diatreme Volcanic Deposits at Hopi Buttes Volcanic Field (AZ) Using GigaPan Panoramic and Thermal Infrared Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, R.; Graettinger, A. H.; Weinell, M.; Hughes, C. G.

2016-12-01

Basaltic maar-diatreme volcanoes are produced when rising magma interacts with groundwater and produces a maar crater at the ground surface. This crater is underlain by a diatreme, a downward-tapering conical structure filled with a mixture of fragments of intruded magma, fractured host rock, and clasts recycled through repeated discrete subsurface explosions. The debris of the diatreme records the mixing processes caused by subsurface explosions and is the source for ejected material that forms maar tephra rings. Determining the variable depths and lateral locations of these explosions and how energy is dissipated in the subsurface is critical to understanding how maar-diatreme eruptions progress. The Hopi Buttes Volcanic Field (HBVF) in the Navajo Nation, Arizona, USA, contains several diatremes and incised tephra rings with heterolithic clasts 10 mm - 10 m in size, and are well-exposed near-vertical to vertical outcrops. Our ability to measure the length scales and distribution of textures produced by subsurface explosions in these diatremes is limited by the physical accessibility of the exposures, due to both the verticality of the outcrops and the cultural sensitivity of the site. Quantifying the number and locations of explosions is dependent on our ability to investigate the full diatreme outcrop, and not just what can be accessed through traditional field observations. We present a novel field and computer-based technique for both quantitatively and qualitatively characterizing the composition and texture of maar-diatreme deposits in vertical outcrops. This technique uses a combination of field-collected multispectral thermal infrared (TIR) image data and visible wavelength GigaPan imagery to characterize the compositional and textural variations over a whole outcrop. To increase the spatial and spectral resolution of the TIR data, a super-resolution technique will be applied. The technique provides a simple and efficient method to augment the study of the maar-diatreme deposits at HBVF. In addition to contributing to a better understanding of the formation processes of maar-diatreme deposits around the world, the technique also shows great promise for studies involving other types of large outcrops and geologic structures.

Phreatic and Hydrothermal Explosions: A Laboratory Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheu, B.; Dingwell, D. B.

2010-12-01

Phreatic eruptions are amongst the most common eruption types on earth. They might be precursory to another type of volcanic eruption but often they stand on their one. Despite being the most common eruption type, they also are one of the most diverse eruptions, in appearance as well as on eruption mechanism. Yet steam is the common fuel behind all phreatic eruptions. The steam-driven explosions occur when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or fresh volcanic deposits (such as ignimbrites, tephra and pyroclastic-flow deposits) and result in crater, tuff rings and debris avalanches. The intense heat of such material may cause water to boil and flash to steam, thereby generating an explosion of steam, water, ash, blocks, and bombs. Another wide and important field affected by phreatic explosions are hydrothermal areas; here phreatic explosions occur every few months creating explosion craters and resemble a significant hazard to hydrothermal power plants. Despite of their hazard potential, phreatic explosions have so far been overlooked by the field of experimental volcanology. A part of their hazard potential in owned by the fact that phreatic explosions are hardly predictable in occurrence time and size as they have manifold triggers (variances in groundwater and heat systems, earthquakes, material fatigue, water level, etc..) A new set of experiments has been designed to focus on this phreatic type of steam explosion, whereas classical phreatomagmatic experiments use molten fuel-coolant interaction (e.g., Zimanowski, et al., 1991). The violent transition of the superheated water to vapour adds another degree of explosivity to the dry magmatic fragmentation, driven mostly by vesicle bursting due to internal gas overpressure. At low water fractions the fragmentation is strongly enforced by the mixture of these two effects and a large fraction of fine pyroclasts are produced, whereas at high water fraction in the sample the fragmentation is less violent as its dry counterpart. The experimental conditions used it this study (varying degree of water saturation, moderate overpressure, 200- 300°C) applies e.g. to volcanic rocks as well as country rocks at depth of about 100-800 m in a conduit or dome bearing a fraction of ground water and being heated from magma rising beneath (150-400°C). The diversity of phreatic eruptions at a volcanic system (vent) arises from the variety of host rocks, ways to seal the conduit, and to alter this material depending on the composition of volcanic gases. Here, we assess the influence of rapid decompression of the supercritical water phase in the pore space of samples, on the fragmentation behaviour. This will enable us to elucidate the characteristics of the different “fuels” for explosive fragmentation (gas overpressure, steam flashing), as well as their interplay.

Non-detonable explosive simulators

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L.; Pruneda, Cesar O.

1994-01-01

A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs and calibrating sensitive analytical instruments. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques, a first involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and the second involves coating inert beads with thin layers of explosive molecules.

Stoichiometry and possible mechanism of SiH/sub 4/-O/sub 2/ explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hartman, J.R.; Famil-Ghiriha, J.; Ring, M.A.

1987-04-01

The products of silane-O/sub 2/ mixture explosions vary with mixture composition. For O/sub 2/-rich mixtures (>70% O/sub 2/), the products are H/sub 2/O and SiO/sub 2/. As the mixtures become richer in silane, H/sub 2/ replaces H/sub 2/O as a final product. For very SiH/sub 4/-rich mixtures (>70% SiH/sub 4/), the products are H/sub 2/, SiO/sub x/, and Si. The fact that silane is totally consumed in silane-rich mixtures (70-90% silane) demonstrates that solid particle formation (SiO/sub 2/, SiO, and Si) occurs very rapidly and that the accompanying heat release is essential to drive the reactions to completion. It ismore » also clear that the explosion of a silane-rich mixture is primarily a thermal explosion of silane. Effects due to problems associated with upper pressure limit measurements and mechanistic aspects of the SiH/sub 4/-O/sub 2/ explosion reaction are discussed.« less

Isotope-Labeled Composition B for Tracing Detonation Signatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manner, Virginia; Podlesak, David; Huber, Rachel; Amato, Ronald; Giambra, Anna; Bowden, Patrick; Hartline, Ernest; Dattelbaum, Dana

2017-06-01

To better understand how solid carbon forms and evolves during detonation, we have prepared Composition B with 13 C and 15 N-labeled 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in order to trace the formation of soot from the carbon and nitrogen atoms in these explosives. Isotope-labeling of explosives has been performed in the recent past for a variety of reasons, including environmental remediation and reaction mechanism studies. Because it is expensive and time consuming to prepare these materials, and our detection equipment only requires trace amounts of isotopes, we have prepared fully-labeled materials and substituted them into unlabeled RDX and TNT at less than the 1% level. We will discuss the preparation and full characterization of this labeled Composition B, the detonation tests performed, along with the results of the post-detonation soot analysis. Various detonation models predict differing amounts and forms of carbon and nitrogen; these isotopically-labeled precursors have allowed these models to be tested.

Spot test for 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB

DOEpatents

Harris, Betty W.

1986-01-01

A simple, sensitive and specific spot test for 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB, is described. Upon the application of the composition of matter of the present invention to samples containing in excess of 0.1 mg of this explosive, a bright orange color results. Interfering species such as TNT and Tetryl can be removed by first treating the sample with a solvent which does not dissolve much of the TATB, but readily dissolves these explosives.

Spot test for 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB

DOEpatents

Harris, B.W.

1984-11-29

A simple, sensitive and specific spot test for 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB, is described. Upon the application of the composition of matter of the subject invention to samples containing in excess of 0.1 mg of this explosive, a bright orange color results. Interfering species such as TNT and Tetryl can be removed by first treating the sample with a solvent which does not dissolve the TATB, but readily dissolves these interfering explosives.

Investigation of heat-resistant layered coating of Al-Cr-Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shmorgun, V. G.; Trykov, Y. P.; Bogdanov, A. I.; Taube, A. O.

2016-02-01

The paper shows the transformation of the structure and phase composition of the layered coating system Al-Cr-Ni, obtained by the heat treatment of multilayered composite H20N80+AD1, welded by explosion, in the time range 1-300 hours. The cyclic heat resistance of the coating at 1150 ° C is studied.

Effects Of Rapid Crushing On Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farley, Gary L.

1990-01-01

Experimental study described in NASA technical memorandum performed to determine whether crash energy-absorption capabilities of graphite/epoxy and Kevlar/epoxy composite materials are functions of speed of crushing. Additional objective to develop understanding of mechanisms of crushing. Technology applied to enhancement of safety and crashworthiness of automobiles, design of energy-absorbing devices in machinery, and problems involving explosions and impacts.

24. Duplicate negative of an historic negative. 'AERIAL VIEW OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

24. Duplicate negative of an historic negative. 'AERIAL VIEW OF AREA 'B' HOLSTON ORDNANCE WORKS.' 1944. #OCMH 4-12.2ASAV3 in Super Explosives Program RDX and Its Composition A, B, & C, Record Group No. 319, National Archives, Washington, D.C. - Holston Army Ammunition Plant, RDX-and-Composition-B Manufacturing Line 9, Kingsport, Sullivan County, TN

49 CFR 173.35 - Hazardous materials in IBCs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... plastic or composite IBC may only be filled with a liquid having a vapor pressure less than or equal to... -57 portable tanks. (j) No IBC may be filled with a Packing Group I liquid. Rigid plastic, composite... point of 60 °C (140 °F) (closed cup) or lower, or powders with the potential for dust explosion...

Evolution of Carbon Clusters in the Detonation Products of the Triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB)-Based Explosive PBX 9502

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watkins, Erik B.; Velizhanin, Kirill A.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.

Here, the detonation of carbon-rich high explosives yields solid carbon as a major constituent of the product mixture and, depending on the thermodynamic conditions behind the shock front, a variety of carbon allotropes and morphologies may form and evolve. We applied time-resolved small angle x-ray scattering (TR-SAXS) to investigate the dynamics of carbon clustering during detonation of PBX 9502, an explosive composed of triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) and 5 wt% fluoropolymer binder. Solid carbon formation was probed from 0.1 to 2.0 μs behind the detonation front and revealed rapid carbon cluster growth which reached a maximum after ~200 ns. The late-time carbonmore » clusters had a radius of gyration of 3.3 nm which is consistent with 8.4 nm diameter spherical particles and matched particle sizes of recovered products. Simulations using a clustering kinetics model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements of cluster growth when invoking a freeze-out temperature, and temporal shift associated with the initial precipitation of solid carbon. Product densities from reactive flow models were compared to the electron density contrast obtained from TR-SAXS and used to approximate the carbon cluster composition as a mixture of 20% highly ordered (diamond-like) and 80% disordered carbon forms, which will inform future product equation of state models for solid carbon in PBX 9502 detonation product mixtures.« less

Evolution of Carbon Clusters in the Detonation Products of the Triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB)-Based Explosive PBX 9502

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watkins, Erik B.; Velizhanin, Kirill A.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.

The detonation of carbon-rich high explosives yields solid carbon as a major constituent of the product mixture and, depending on the thermodynamic conditions behind the shock front, a variety of carbon allotropes and morphologies may form and evolve. We applied time-resolved small angle x-ray scattering (TR-SAXS) to investigate the dynamics of carbon clustering during detonation of PBX 9502, an explosive composed of triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) and 5 wt% fluoropolymer binder. Solid carbon formation was probed from 0.1 to 2.0 μs behind the detonation front and revealed rapid carbon cluster growth which reached a maximum after ~200 ns. The late-time carbon clustersmore » had a radius of gyration of 3.3 nm which is consistent with 8.4 nm diameter spherical particles and matched particle sizes of recovered products. Simulations using a clustering kinetics model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements of cluster growth when invoking a freeze-out temperature, and temporal shift associated with the initial precipitation of solid carbon. Product densities from reactive flow models were compared to the electron density contrast obtained from TR-SAXS and used to approximate the carbon cluster composition as a mixture of 20% highly ordered (diamond-like) and 80% disordered carbon forms, which will inform future product equation of state models for solid carbon in PBX 9502 detonation product mixtures.« less

Evolution of Carbon Clusters in the Detonation Products of the Triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB)-Based Explosive PBX 9502

DOE PAGES

Watkins, Erik B.; Velizhanin, Kirill A.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.; ...

2017-08-15

Here, the detonation of carbon-rich high explosives yields solid carbon as a major constituent of the product mixture and, depending on the thermodynamic conditions behind the shock front, a variety of carbon allotropes and morphologies may form and evolve. We applied time-resolved small angle x-ray scattering (TR-SAXS) to investigate the dynamics of carbon clustering during detonation of PBX 9502, an explosive composed of triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) and 5 wt% fluoropolymer binder. Solid carbon formation was probed from 0.1 to 2.0 μs behind the detonation front and revealed rapid carbon cluster growth which reached a maximum after ~200 ns. The late-time carbonmore » clusters had a radius of gyration of 3.3 nm which is consistent with 8.4 nm diameter spherical particles and matched particle sizes of recovered products. Simulations using a clustering kinetics model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements of cluster growth when invoking a freeze-out temperature, and temporal shift associated with the initial precipitation of solid carbon. Product densities from reactive flow models were compared to the electron density contrast obtained from TR-SAXS and used to approximate the carbon cluster composition as a mixture of 20% highly ordered (diamond-like) and 80% disordered carbon forms, which will inform future product equation of state models for solid carbon in PBX 9502 detonation product mixtures.« less

Optical detection of explosives: spectral signatures for the explosive bouquet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osborn, Tabetha; Kaimal, Sindhu; Causey, Jason; Burns, William; Reeve, Scott

2009-05-01

Research with canines suggests that sniffer dogs alert not on the odor from a pure explosive, but rather on a set of far more volatile species present in an explosive as impurities. Following the explosive trained canine example, we have begun examining the vapor signatures for many of these volatile impurities utilizing high resolution spectroscopic techniques in several molecular fingerprint regions. Here we will describe some of these high resolution measurements and discuss strategies for selecting useful spectral signature regions for individual molecular markers of interest.

Method for fabricating non-detonable explosive simulants

DOEpatents

Simpson, Randall L.; Pruneda, Cesar O.

1995-01-01

A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs and calibrating sensitive analytical instruments. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques, a first involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and the second involves coating inert beads with thin layers of explosive molecules.

Non-detonable explosive simulators

DOEpatents

Simpson, R.L.; Pruneda, C.O.

1994-11-01

A simulator which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs and calibrating sensitive analytical instruments. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques, a first involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and the second involves coating inert beads with thin layers of explosive molecules. 5 figs.

Materials for the scavenging of hydrogen at high temperatures

DOEpatents

Shepodd, T.J.; Phillip, B.L.

1997-12-30

A hydrogen getter composition is described comprising a double or triple bonded hydrocarbon with a high melting point useful for removing hydrogen gas, to partial pressures below 0.01 torr, from enclosed spaces and particularly from vessels used for transporting or containing fluids at elevated temperatures. The hydrogen getter compositions disclosed herein and their reaction products will neither melt nor char at temperatures in excess of 100 C. They possess significant advantages over conventional hydrogen getters, namely low risk of fire or explosion, no requirement for high temperature activation or operation, the ability to absorb hydrogen even in the presence of contaminants such as water, water vapor, common atmospheric gases and oil mists and are designed to be disposed within the confines of the apparatus. These getter materials can be mixed with binders, such as fluoropolymers, which permit the getter material to be fabricated into useful shapes and/or impart desirable properties such as water repellency or impermeability to various gases. 7 figs.

Materials for the scavanging of hydrogen at high temperatures

DOEpatents

Shepodd, Timothy J.; Phillip, Bradley L.

1997-01-01

A hydrogen getter composition comprising a double or triple bonded hydrocarbon with a high melting point useful for removing hydrogen gas, to partial pressures below 0.01 torr, from enclosed spaces and particularly from vessels used for transporting or containing fluids at elevated temperatures. The hydrogen getter compositions disclosed herein and their reaction products will neither melt nor char at temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C. They possess significant advantages over conventional hydrogen getters, namely low risk of fire or explosion, no requirement for high temperature activation or operation, the ability to absorb hydrogen even in the presence of contaminants such as water, water vapor, common atmospheric gases and oil mists and are designed to be disposed within the confines of the apparatus. These getter materials can be mixed with binders, such as fluropolymers, which permit the getter material to be fabricated into useful shapes and/or impart desirable properties such as water repellency or impermeability to various gases.

Materials for the scavenging of hydrogen at high temperatures

DOEpatents

Shepodd, T.J.; Phillip, B.L.

1997-04-29

A hydrogen getter composition is described comprising a double or triple bonded hydrocarbon with a high melting point useful for removing hydrogen gas, to partial pressures below 0.01 torr, from enclosed spaces and particularly from vessels used for transporting or containing fluids at elevated temperatures. The hydrogen getter compositions disclosed herein and their reaction products will neither melt nor char at temperatures in excess of 100C. They possess significant advantages over conventional hydrogen getters, namely low risk of fire or explosion, no requirement for high temperature activation or operation, the ability to absorb hydrogen even in the presence of contaminants such as water, water vapor, common atmospheric gases and oil mists and are designed to be disposed within the confines of the apparatus. These getter materials can be mixed with binders, such as fluoropolymers, which permit the getter material to be fabricated into useful shapes and/or impart desirable properties such as water repellency or impermeability to various gases. 7 figs.

Pressure Amplification Off High Impedance Barriers in DDT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heatwole, Eric Mann; Broilo, Robert M.; Kistle, Trevin Joseph

The Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT) in one-dimensional porous explosive, where combustion in an explosive transitions to detonation, can be described by the following model. This simplified model proceeds in five steps, as follows: 1) Ignition of the explosive, surface burning. 2) Convective burning, with the flame front penetrating through the porous network of the explosive. This proceeds until the pressure grows high enough to result in choked flow in the pores restricting the convective burn. 3) The choked flow results in the formation of a high-density compact of explosive. This compact is driven into undisturbed material by the pressure of themore » burning explosive. See Figure1. 4) The compression of the undisturbed porous explosive by the compact leads to the ignition of a compressive burn. This builds in pressure until a supported shock forms. 5) The shock builds in pressure until detonation occurs. See Figure 2 for an overview streak of the proceeding steps.« less

High-speed imaging, acoustic features, and aeroacoustic computations of jet noise from Strombolian (and Vulcanian) explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taddeucci, J.; Sesterhenn, J.; Scarlato, P.; Stampka, K.; Del Bello, E.; Pena Fernandez, J. J.; Gaudin, D.

2014-05-01

High-speed imaging of explosive eruptions at Stromboli (Italy), Fuego (Guatemala), and Yasur (Vanuatu) volcanoes allowed visualization of pressure waves from seconds-long explosions. From the explosion jets, waves radiate with variable geometry, timing, and apparent direction and velocity. Both the explosion jets and their wave fields are replicated well by numerical simulations of supersonic jets impulsively released from a pressurized vessel. The scaled acoustic signal from one explosion at Stromboli displays a frequency pattern with an excellent match to those from the simulated jets. We conclude that both the observed waves and the audible sound from the explosions are jet noise, i.e., the typical acoustic field radiating from high-velocity jets. Volcanic jet noise was previously quantified only in the infrasonic emissions from large, sub-Plinian to Plinian eruptions. Our combined approach allows us to define the spatial and temporal evolution of audible jet noise from supersonic jets in small-scale volcanic eruptions.

Non-focusing active warhead

DOEpatents

Hornig, H.C.

1998-12-22

A non-nuclear, non-focusing, active warhead that comprises a high explosive charge contained within a casing of reactive metal is disclosed. When the high explosive is detonated, the reactive metal is dispersed and reacts with the air, which significantly increases the explosive yield of the warhead. The active warhead produces therefore much higher blast effects with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional munitions. The warhead is highly effective against such targets as aircraft which typically have thin fuselages, for example. The explosiveness of this warhead can be enhanced further by elevating the temperature and therefore the reactivity of the reactive metal before or during the explosion. New methods of enhancing the reactivity of the metal are also taught. 4 figs.

Non-focusing active warhead

DOEpatents

Hornig, Howard C.

1998-01-01

A non-nuclear, non-focusing, active warhead that comprises a high explosive charge contained within a casing of reactive metal. When the high explosive is detonated, the reactive metal is dispersed and reacts with the air, which significantly increases the explosive yield of the warhead. The active warhead produces therefore much higher blast effects with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional munitions. The warhead is highly effective against such targets as aircraft which typically have thin fuselages, for example. The explosiveness of this warhead can be enhanced further by elevating the temperature and therefore the reactivity of the reactive metal before or during the explosion. New methods of enhancing the reactivity of the metal are also taught.

Thermally stable compositions including 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3',2':4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazo- l-6-ium, inner salt

DOEpatents

Hiskey, Michael A.; Huynh, My Hang

2010-01-26

An explosive formulation including 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3',2':4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazo- l-6-ium, inner salt and a high temperature binder is disclosed together with a process of preparing 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3',2':4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazo- l-6-ium, inner salt.

Generation of High-Frequency P and S Wave Radiation from Underground Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-30

3.0 3.5 4.0 2024-T3, 1.63<tɚ.54 mm Homalite-100 Ti - 6Al - 4V , t=1.2 mm Epoxy/Graphite Fiber Composite (a) (b) Figure 3: Normalized Dynamic Stress... porosity . The gas porosity also gives some information about effects associated with the water table since water saturated rock has zero gas porosity ...medium than to the depth. Since velocity and density are strongly correlated with the gas porosity , it was not possible to determine which had the

Late-time spectroscopy of envelope-stripped SNe: Figuring the central engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawabata, Koji

2011-01-01

We propose to perform late-time spectroscopy of envelope-stripped core-collapse supernovae (SNe), i.e., Type Ib/c/IIb SNe. We aim to examine the explosion physics and its dependence on the progenitor mass. The key information is the asphericity and the chemical composition of the inner atmosphere, which can be explored by late-time observations. The difference in [O I] line profiles indicates that GRB-associated energetic SNe Ic (like SN 1998bw) and non-GRB energetic SNe Ic (2003jd) are intrinsically similar aspherical explosions that are differently viewed (pole-on for 1998bw and nearly edge-on for 2003jd). Our continuing study suggests that the asphericity is rather common characteristic even for normal energy SNe without a GRB. However, it is still unclear how the intermediate types of SNe (SNe Ib/IIb) are produced and how they connected with other types of core-collapse SNe. High-quality late-time spectra of SNe Ib/Ic/IIb are still lacking. We propose to obtain a larger number of nebular spectra of envelope-stripped SNe so that we examine the degree of the asphericity as a function of the progenitor's mass, explosion energy, amount of synthesized ^56Ni, and the physical properties of the central remnant.

Late-time spectroscopy of envelope-stripped SNe: Figuring the central engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawabata, Koji

2012-01-01

We propose to perform late-time spectroscopy of envelope-stripped core-collapse supernovae (SNe), i.e., Type Ib/c/IIb SNe. We aim to examine the explosion physics and its dependence on the progenitor mass. The key information is the asphericity and the chemical composition of the inner atmosphere, which can be explored by late-time observations. The difference in [O I] line profiles indicates that GRB-associated energetic SNe Ic (like SN 1998bw) and non-GRB energetic SNe Ic (2003jd) are intrinsically similar aspherical explosions that are differently viewed (pole-on for 1998bw and nearly edge-on for 2003jd). Our continuing study suggests that the asphericity is rather common characteristic even for normal energy SNe without a GRB. However, it is still unclear how the intermediate types of SNe (SNe Ib/IIb) are produced and how they connected with other types of core-collapse SNe. High-quality late-time spectra of SNe Ib/Ic/IIb are still lacking. We propose to obtain a larger number of nebular spectra of envelope-stripped SNe including SNe IIb so that we examine the degree of the asphericity explosion energy, amount of synthesized ^56Ni and the physical properties of the central remnant as a function of the progenitor's mass.

High-explosive driven crowbar switch

DOEpatents

Dike, Robert S.; Kewish, Jr., Ralph W.

1976-01-13

The disclosure relates to a compact explosive driven switch for use as a low resistance, low inductance crowbar switch. A high-explosive charge extrudes a deformable conductive metallic plate through a polyethylene insulating layer to achieve a hard current contact with a supportive annular conductor.

High Resolution Digital Elevation Models of Pristine Explosion Craters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farr, T. G.; Krabill, W.; Garvin, J. B.

2004-01-01

In order to effectively capture a realistic terrain applicable to studies of cratering processes and landing hazards on Mars, we have obtained high resolution digital elevation models of several pristine explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site. We used the Airborne Terrain Mapper (ATM), operated by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility to obtain DEMs with 1 m spacing and 10 cm vertical errors of 4 main craters and many other craters and collapse pits. The main craters that were mapped are Sedan, Scooter, Schooner, and Danny Boy. The 370 m diameter Sedan crater, located on Yucca Flat, is the largest and freshest explosion crater on Earth that was formed under conditions similar to hypervelocity impact cratering. As such, it is effectively pristine, having been formed in 1962 as a result of a controlled detonation of a 100 kiloton thermonuclear device, buried at the appropriate equivalent depth of burst required to make a simple crater. Sedan was formed in alluvium of mixed lithology and subsequently studied using a variety of field-based methods. Nearby secondary craters were also formed at the time and were also mapped by ATM. Adjacent to Sedan and also in alluvium is Scooter, about 90 m in diameter and formed by a high-explosive event. Schooner (240 m) and Danny Boy (80 m) craters were also important targets for ATM as they were excavated in hard basalt and therefore have much rougher ejecta. This will allow study of ejecta patterns in hard rock as well as engineering tests of crater and rock avoidance and rover trafficability. In addition to the high resolution DEMs, crater geometric characteristics, RMS roughness maps, and other higher-order derived data products will be generated using these data. These will provide constraints for models of landing hazards on Mars and for rover trafficability. Other planned studies will include ejecta size-frequency distribution at the resolution of the DEM and at finer resolution through air photography and field measurements, correlation of ejecta size and composition with radar and visible-thermal IR remote sensing signatures, and comparison of these results with similar measurements of Mars. The final DEMs, ancillary data sets, and derived data products will be made available to the community.

A Geant4-based Simulation to Evaluate the Feasibility of Using Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence (NRF) in Determining Atomic Compositions of Body Tissue in Cancer Diagnostics and Irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbo, Yekaterina; Wijesooriya, Krishni; Liyanage, Nilanga

2017-01-01

Customarily applied in homeland security for identifying concealed explosives and chemical weapons, NRF (Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence) may have high potential in determining atomic compositions of body tissue. High energy photons incident on a target excite the target nuclei causing characteristic re-emission of resonance photons. As the nuclei of each isotope have well-defined excitation energies, NRF uniquely indicates the isotopic content of the target. NRF radiation corresponding to nuclear isotopes present in the human body is emitted during radiotherapy based on Bremsstrahlung photons generated in a linear electron accelerator. We have developed a Geant4 simulation in order to help assess NRF capabilities in detecting, mapping, and characterizing tumors. We have imported a digital phantom into the simulation using anatomical data linked to known chemical compositions of various tissues. Work is ongoing to implement the University of Virginia's cancer center treatment setup and patient geometry, and to collect and analyze the simulation's physics quantities to evaluate the potential of NRF for medical imaging applications. Preliminary results will be presented.

Method for fabricating non-detonable explosive simulants

DOEpatents

Simpson, R.L.; Pruneda, C.O.

1995-05-09

A simulator is disclosed which is chemically equivalent to an explosive, but is not detonable. The simulator has particular use in the training of explosives detecting dogs and calibrating sensitive analytical instruments. The explosive simulants may be fabricated by different techniques, a first involves the use of standard slurry coatings to produce a material with a very high binder to explosive ratio without masking the explosive vapor, and the second involves coating inert beads with thin layers of explosive molecules. 5 figs.

Insensitive high-energy energetic structural material of tungsten-polytetrafluoroethylene-aluminum composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Liu; Liu, Jinxu, E-mail: liujinxu@bit.edu.cn; Zhang, Xinbo

2015-11-15

Energetic structural material is a kind of materials that are inert under normal conditions but could produce exothermic chemical reaction when subjected to impact. This report shows a kind of energetic structural material of tungsten (W)-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-aluminum (Al) with density of 4.12 g/cm{sup 3}, excellent ductility and dynamic compressive strength of 96 MPa. Moreover, 50W-35PTFE-15Al (wt%) can exhibit a high reaction energy value of more than 2 times of TNT per unit mass and 5 times of TNT per unit volume, respectively, but with excellent insensitivity compared with traditional explosives. Under thermal conditions, the W-PTFE-Al composite can keep stable atmore » 773 K. Under impact loading, when the strain rate up to ∼4820 s{sup −1} coupled with the absorbed energy per unit volume of 120 J/cm{sup 3}, deflagration occurs and combustion lasts for 500 μs. During impact compressive deformation, the PTFE matrix is elongated into nano-fibers, thus significantly increases the reaction activity of W-PTFE-Al composites. The nano-fiber structure is necessary for the reaction of W-PTFE-Al composites. The formation of PTFE nano-fibers must undergo severe plastic deformation, and therefore the W-PTFE-Al composites exhibit excellent insensitivity and safety. Furthermore, the reaction mechanisms of W-PTFE-Al composites in argon and in air are revealed.« less

Synthesis and Performance Characterization of a Nanocomposite Ternary Thermite: Al/Fe2O3/SiO2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prentice, D; Pantoya, M L; Clapsaddle, B J

2005-02-04

Making solid energetic materials requires the physical mixing of solid fuels and oxidizers or the incorporation of fuel and oxidizing moieties into a single molecule. The former are referred to as composite energetic materials (i.e., thermites, propellants, pyrotechnics) and the latter are deemed monomolecular energetic materials (i.e., explosives). Mass diffusion between the fuel and oxidizer is the rate controlling step for composite reactions while bond breaking and chemical kinetics control monomolecular reactions. Although composites have higher energy densities than monomolecular species, they release that energy over a longer period of time because diffusion controlled reactions are considerably slower than chemistrymore » controlled reactions. Conversely, monomolecular species exhibit greater power due to more rapid kinetics than physically mixed energetics. Reducing the diffusion distance between fuel and oxidizer species within an energetic composite would enhance the reaction rate. Recent advances in nanotechnology have spurred the development of nano-scale fuel and oxidizer particles that can be combined into a composite and effectively reduce diffusion distances to nano-scale dimensions or less. These nanocomposites have the potential to deliver the best of both worlds: high energy density of the physically mixed composite with the high power of the monomolecular species. Toward this end, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) developed nano-particle synthesis techniques, based on sol-gel chemistry, for the production of thermite nanocomposites.« less

FAILURE OF A NEUTRINO-DRIVEN EXPLOSION AFTER CORE-COLLAPSE MAY LEAD TO A THERMONUCLEAR SUPERNOVA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kushnir, Doron; Katz, Boaz, E-mail: kushnir@ias.edu

We demonstrate that ∼10 s after the core-collapse of a massive star, a thermonuclear explosion of the outer shells is possible for some (tuned) initial density and composition profiles, assuming that the neutrinos failed to explode the star. The explosion may lead to a successful supernova, as first suggested by Burbidge et al. We perform a series of one-dimensional (1D) calculations of collapsing massive stars with simplified initial density profiles (similar to the results of stellar evolution calculations) and various compositions (not similar to 1D stellar evolution calculations). We assume that the neutrinos escaped with a negligible effect on themore » outer layers, which inevitably collapse. As the shells collapse, they compress and heat up adiabatically, enhancing the rate of thermonuclear burning. In some cases, where significant shells of mixed helium and oxygen are present with pre-collapsed burning times of ≲100 s (≈10 times the free-fall time), a thermonuclear detonation wave is ignited, which unbinds the outer layers of the star, leading to a supernova. The energy released is small, ≲10{sup 50} erg, and negligible amounts of synthesized material (including {sup 56}Ni) are ejected, implying that these 1D simulations are unlikely to represent typical core-collapse supernovae. However, they do serve as a proof of concept that the core-collapse-induced thermonuclear explosions are possible, and more realistic two-dimensional and three-dimensional simulations are within current computational capabilities.« less

Effects of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials on the thermal decomposition, burning rate, and explosive heat of ammonium perchlorate-based composite solid propellant.

PubMed

Liu, Leili; Li, Jie; Zhang, Lingyao; Tian, Siyu

2018-01-15

MgH 2 , Mg 2 NiH 4 , and Mg 2 CuH 3 were prepared, and their structure and hydrogen storage properties were determined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal analyzer. The effects of MgH 2 , Mg 2 NiH 4 , and Mg 2 CuH 3 on the thermal decomposition, burning rate, and explosive heat of ammonium perchlorate-based composite solid propellant were subsequently studied. Results indicated that MgH 2 , Mg 2 NiH 4 , and Mg 2 CuH 3 can decrease the thermal decomposition peak temperature and increase the total released heat of decomposition. These compounds can improve the effect of thermal decomposition of the propellant. The burning rates of the propellant increased using Mg-based hydrogen storage materials as promoter. The burning rates of the propellant also increased using MgH 2 instead of Al in the propellant, but its explosive heat was not enlarged. Nonetheless, the combustion heat of MgH 2 was higher than that of Al. A possible mechanism was thus proposed. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Stability of volcanic conduits: insights from magma ascent modelling and possible consequences on eruptive dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravena, Alvaro; de'Michieli Vitturi, Mattia; Cioni, Raffaello; Neri, Augusto

2017-04-01

Geological evidences of changes in volcanic conduit geometry (i.e. erosive processes) are common in the volcanic record, as revealed by the occurrence of lithic fragments in most pyroclastic deposits. However, the controlling factors of conduit enlargement mechanisms are still partially unclear, as well as the influence of conduit geometry in the eruptive dynamics. Despite physical models have been systematically used for studying volcanic conduits, their mechanical stability has been poorly addressed. In order to study the mechanical stability of volcanic conduits during explosive eruptions, we present a 1D steady-state model which considers the main processes experimented by ascending magmas, such as crystallization, drag forces, fragmentation, outgassing and degassing; and the application of the Mogi-Coulomb collapse criterion, using a set of constitutive equations for studying typical cases of rhyolitic and trachytic explosive volcanism. From our results emerge that conduit stability is mainly controlled by magma rheology and conduit dimensions. Indeed, in order to be stable, feeding conduits of rhyolitic eruptions need larger radii respect to their trachytic counterparts, which is manifested in the higher eruption rates usually observed in rhyolitic explosive eruptions, as confirmed by a small compilation of global data. Additionally, for both magma compositions, we estimated a minimum magma flux for developing stable conduits (˜3ṡ106 kg/s for trachytic magmas and ˜8ṡ107 kg/s for rhyolitic magmas), which is consistent with the unsteady character commonly observed in low-mass flux events (e.g. sub-Plinian eruptions), which would be produced by episodic collapse events of the volcanic conduit, opposite to the mainly stationary high-mass flux events (e.g. Plinian eruptions), characterized by stable conduits. For a given magma composition, a minimum radius for reaching stable conditions can be computed, as a function of inlet overpressure and water content. Under the assumption that magma chamber conditions during a typical volcanic eruption follow a depressurizing trend, a continuous conduit widening process is expected. This process could explain the pervasive and continuous presence of lithic fragments in most pyroclastic deposits, even with stationary properties and conditions of the magma source (e.g. water content, temperature, composition).

Persistent explosive activity at Stromboli investigated with OP-FTIR and SO2 cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, M. R.; La Spina, A.; Sawyer, G. M.; Harris, A. J.

2012-12-01

Stromboli volcano in Italy exhibits what is perhaps one of the most well-known examples of cyclic activity, in the form of its regular explosions, which send a few m3 of material 100-200 m into the air every 10-20 minutes. Recent developments in measurements of volatile release from Stromboli using a series of novel approaches have allowed this cyclic behaviour to be examined in detail. In particular, the use of an automated OP-FTIR has revealed unprecedented detail in the dynamics of degassing from individual craters at the summit of Stromboli. Furthermore, the variations in composition of explosive degassing from Stromboli demonstrate a deep source ~2 km for the gas slugs which produce explosions at this volcano, in contrast to the commonly-held view that gas coalescence at shallow depth is responsible for the behaviour. The SO2 camera has revealed fascinating new details on the dynamics of degassing at Stromboli, and has allowed direct quantification of the amount of gas released during explosions and through quiescent degassing. The remarkable observation that 99% of degassing takes place quiescently, and that the explosions, whilst apparently more significant, are in fact a secondary process compared with the mass and energy involved in background, quiet processes. The new insight that the explosions are actually only a relatively minor aspect of the activity (in terms of mass and energy) actually makes the regularity of the cyclic explosive activity still more remarkable. In this paper we present a detailed overview of the state of the art of our understanding of cyclic explosive activity at Stromboli volcano from the perspective of recent advances in geochemical monitoring of the gas emissions. We also report initial results from a multidisciplinary campaign on Stromboli which utilised both OP-FTIR and SO2 camera techniques.

Application of paper spray ionization for explosives analysis.

PubMed

Tsai, Chia-Wei; Tipple, Christopher A; Yost, Richard A

2017-10-15

A desired feature in the analysis of explosives is to decrease the time of the entire analysis procedure, including sampling. A recently utilized ambient ionization technique, paper spray ionization (PSI), provides the possibility of combining sampling and ionization. However, an interesting phenomenon that occurs in generating negatively charged ions pose some challenges in applying PSI to explosives analysis. The goal of this work is to investigate the possible solutions for generating explosives ions in negative mode PSI. The analysis of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) was performed. Several solvent systems with different surface tensions and additives were compared to determine their effect on the ionization of explosives. The solvents tested include tert-butanol, isopropanol, methanol, and acetonitrile. The additives tested were carbon tetrachloride and ammonium nitrate. Of the solvents tested, isopropanol yielded the best results. In addition, adding ammonium nitrate to the isopropanol enhanced the analyte signal. Experimentally determined limits of detection (LODs) as low as 0.06 ng for PETN, on paper, were observed with isopropanol and the addition of 0.4 mM ammonium nitrate as the spray solution. In addition, the explosive components of two plastic explosive samples, Composition 4 and Semtex, were successfully analyzed via surface sampling when using the developed method. The analysis of explosives using PSI-MS in negative ion mode was achieved. The addition of ammonium nitrate to isopropanol, in general, enhanced the analyte signal and yielded better ionization stability. Real-world explosive samples were analyzed, which demonstrates one of the potential applications of PSI-MS analysis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

IMEC-9: The 9th Israel Materials Engineering Conference. Program & Abstracts

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-07

non- toxic , magnetite (FesC^) nanoparticles of very narrow size distribution in sizes ranging from approximately 20 nm up to 0.1 urn. The process for...Israel 17 Composites I Hall G Chair: R. Albalak 13:30 -13:50 Synthesis of Dense Oxide -Based In Situ Composites via Thermal Explosion/SHS...Tsionsky, Israel 16:00 -16:20 The Effect of Composition and Microstructure on the Corrosion Behavior of Magnesium- Aluminium Alloys P. Uzan, D. Eliezer

Controlled Detonation Dynamics in Additively Manufactured High Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmalzer, Andrew; Tappan, Bryce; Bowden, Patrick; Manner, Virginia; Clements, Brad; Menikoff, Ralph; Ionita, Axinte; Branch, Brittany; Dattelbaum, Dana; Espy, Michelle; Patterson, Brian; Wu, Ruilian; Mueller, Alexander

2017-06-01

The effect of structure in explosives has long been a subject of interest to explosives engineers and scientists. Through structure, detonation dynamics in explosives can be manipulated, introducing a new level of safety and directed performance into these previously difficult to control materials. New advances in additive manufacturing (AM) allow the deliberate introduction of exact internal structures at dimensions approaching the mesoscale of these energetic materials. We show through simulation and experiment that this structure can be used to control detonation behavior by manipulating complex shockwave interactions. We use high-speed video and shorting mag-wires to determine the detonation velocity in AM generated explosive structures, demonstrating, for the first time, a method of controlling the directional propagation of reactive flow through the controlled introduction of structure within a high explosive. With ongoing improvement in the AM methods available coupled with guidance through modeling and simulations, more complex interactions are being explored. LANL LDRD Office.

Investigation Of Vapor Explosion Mechanisms Using High Speed Photography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, Donn R.; Anderson, Richard P.

1983-03-01

The vapor explosion, a physical interaction between hot and cold liquids that causes the explosive vaporization of the cold liquid, is a hazard of concern in such diverse industries as metal smelting and casting, paper manufacture, and nuclear power generation. Intensive work on this problem worldwide, for the past 25 years has generated a number of theories and mechanisms proposed to explain vapor explosions. High speed photography has been the major instrument used to test the validity of the theories and to provide the observations that have lead to new theories. Examples are given of experimental techniques that have been used to investigate vapor explosions. Detailed studies of specific mechanisms have included microsecond flash photograph of contact boiling and high speed cinematography of shock driven breakup of liquid drops. Other studies looked at the explosivity of various liquid pairs using cinematography inside a pulsed nuclear reactor and x-ray cinematography of a thermite-sodium interaction.

Influence of nanomodification additives on the properties of multilayer composite coating obtained in laser surfacing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherepanov, A. N.; Orishich, A. M.; Ovcharenko, V. E.; Malikov, A. G.; Drozdov, V. O.; Pshenichnikov, A. P.

2017-10-01

The paper presents the results of numerical and experimental studies of the process of obtaining a permanent joint of two plates of heterogeneous metals that cannot be welded in the usual way: alloy Grade 4 and steel AISI 321 using a laser beam and an intermediate composite insert. The composite insert was obtained by explosion welding of four thin plates of titanium (Grade 4), niobium, copper, and steel (AISI 321). The insert was placed between the welded plates of titanium and steel, and the steel plate was welded with the steel part of the insert, and the titanium plate was welded with the titanium part of the insert. The plates were welded using a CO2 laser. The connection of metals with the help of explosion is carried out without their melting, so the formation of the brittle intermetallics does not occur in most cases. This ensures the greatest strength of the joints as compared to the joints obtained by other welding methods. To analyze the distribution of thermal fields in the composite insert and welded plates, a numerical study was conducted of the laser welding of steel and titanium plates with the corresponding parts of the insert. The purpose of the study was to determine the rational parameters of welding (laser beam power, speed of its movement, size and position of the focal spot), at which there was no complete melting of the steel and titanium parts of the insert during through penetration of the welded plates. The experimental part of the work is devoted to analysis of formation of the internal boundaries and microstructure of the composite insert and the strength of the permanent joint. It is shown that as a result of the explosion welding, weld seams of different wavelike configuration are formed. The most pronounced wavelike boundary is observed in the steel-copper connection, since these materials have a face-centered cubic lattice and are easily subjected to plastic deformation. At the contact boundaries of the plates, transition diffusion zones with different widths (from 5 to 40 μm) and element concentrations are formed. The hardness in the boundary diffusion zones is higher than in the connected metals, which is due to the diffusion interaction of the materials adjacent to each other. It has been established that the tensile strength of the composite insert is comparable to the maximum strength of Grade 4 alloy (456-511 MPa), and the failure in most cases occurred over the least durable component of the composite material, which is the copper plate, whose strength was significantly increased by cold hardening during explosion welding and diffusion of elements of the contacting plates.

Experimental model of the role of cracks in the mechanism of explosive eruption of St. Helens-80

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kedrinskii, V. K.; Skulkin, A. A.

2017-07-01

A unique mini model of explosive volcano eruption through a formed system of cracks is developed. The process of crack formation and development is simulated by electric explosion of a conductor in a plate of optically transparent organic glass submerged into water. The explosion of a wire aligned with a through hole in the plate generates shock-wave loading along the plate and forms cracks. The fundamental role of high velocity flow in crack wedging by a high power hydrodynamic flow of a pulsating explosion cavity has been demonstrated.

Energetic Materials - Technology, Manufacturing and Processing, 27th International Annual Conference of ICT June 25 - June 28, 1996 Karisruhe, Federal Republic of Germany.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-02-01

PROPELLANTS WITH VARYING COMPOSITION L.F. Dimaranan, I. Lee, F.E. Hudson III V12 A COMBUSTION MODEL FOR AN/HTPB-IPDI COMPOSITE SOLID PROPELLANTS P... COMPOSITE PROPELLANTS WITH A LOW PRESSURE EXPONENT SUITABLE FOR NOZZLELESS BOOSTER MOTORS G.J. van Zyl V21 PROPERTIES OF AN AND PSAN/GAP-PROPELLANTS K...APPLICATION B.N. Kondrikov SENSITIVITY TO PROJECTILE IMPACT OF PRE-HEATED EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITIONS H.Cherin, D. Lemoine, L. Gautier VULNERABILITY TESTING OF

Layered, massive and thin sediments on Mars: Possible Late Noachian to Late Amazonian tephra?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chapman, M.G.

2002-01-01

Data from instruments on the currently orbiting Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) suggest that as an alternative interpretation to lacustrine deposits, widespread sediments on Mars may be tephra deposits of variable age, formed in part by volcano-ice interactions. The materials are often associated with outcrops of mapped geological units that have each been previously interpreted as volcanic ash deposits with identified, but unconfirmed possible volcanic vents. Spectral investigation indicates that although some outcrops are basaltic, many show moderate to high concentrations of andesite, a composition at which large explosive eruptions may be possible. In addition, many outcrops are in areas suspected to be water/ice rich. On Earth, magma and groundwater can react to create violent explosive eruptions. Observations from MGS support a pyroclastic mechanism of deposition and show some morphologies consistent with volcano-ice interactions, including subaqueous eruptions. Perhaps MGS data are finally producing more definitive evidence of the widespread tephra that were predicted to be likely in the reduced atmospheric pressure of Mars.

Novel Method to Characterize and Model the Multiaxial Constitutive and Damage Response of Energetic Materials.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaneshige, Michael J.; Rabbi, Md Fazle; Kaneshige, Michael J.

2017-12-01

Simulant polymer bonded explosives are widely used to simulate the mechanical response of real energetic materials. In this paper, the fracture resistance of a simulant polymer bo nded explosive (PBX) is experimentally investigated. The simulant is composed of 80 wt.% soda lime glass beads (SLGB) and 20 wt.% high impact Polystyrene 825 (HIPS). Brazilian disk tests are performed to characterize the tensile and compressive properties. Fracture toughness and energy tests are performed in the semi - circular bending (SCB) configuration on 80, 81, 82, and 83 wt % SLGB compositions. Digital image correlation is performed to record the surface displacementsmore » and calculate surface strains during testing. The m icromechanical behavior of ductile and brittle fracture are evaluated using digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface. It is determined that (i) the manufacturing process produces a credible simulant of PBX properties, and (ii) the SCB test measures fracture resistance with a reasonable coefficient of variation.« less

Intensification of steam explosion and structural intricacies impacting sugar recovery.

PubMed

Gaur, Ruchi; Semwal, Surbhi; Raj, Tirath; Yadav Lamba, Bhawna; Ramu, E; Gupta, Ravi P; Kumar, Ravindra; Puri, Suresh K

2017-10-01

Dilute acid (DA) pretreatment at pilot level failed for cotton stalk (CS) due to the technical issues posed by its inherent nature. Reasonable glucan conversion has been reported via two-stage pretreatment but adds on to the process cost. Proposed herewith is a single-stage steam explosion (SE) process preceded by water extraction resulting in high sugar recovery from CS. Raising the extraction temperature to 80°C increased the glucan conversion from 37.9 to 52.4%. Further improvement up to 68.4% was achieved when DA was incorporated during the room temperature extraction. LC-MS revealed the formation of xylo-oligomers limiting the glucan conversion in proportion to the length of xylo-oligomers. Varying extraction conditions induced structural alterations in biomass after SE evident by compositional analysis, Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Overall glucose recovery, i.e. 75.8-76.7% with and without DA extraction respectively was achieved. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magmatic Ascent and Eruption Processes on Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Head, J. W.; Wilson, L.

2018-05-01

MESSENGER volcanic landform data and information on crustal composition allow us to model the generation, ascent, and eruption of magma; Mercury explosive and effusive eruption processes differ significantly from other terrestrial planetary bodies.

Investigation on Explosive Welding of Zr53Cu35Al12 Bulk Metallic Glass with Crystalline Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Jianrui; Chen, Pengwan; Zhou, Qiang

2018-05-01

A Zr53Cu35Al12 bulk metallic glass (BMG) was welded to a crystalline Cu using explosive welding technique. The morphology and the composition of the composite were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The investigation indicated that the BMG and Cu were tightly joined together without visible defects, and a thin diffusion layer appeared at the interface. The captured jet at the end of the welding region mostly comes from the Cu side. Amorphous and partially crystallized structures have been observed within the diffusion layer, but the BMG in close proximity to the interface still retains its amorphous state. Nanoindentation tests reveal that the interface exhibits an increment in hardness compared with the matrix on both sides.

Mathematical tool from corn stover TGA to determine its composition.

PubMed

Freda, Cesare; Zimbardi, Francesco; Nanna, Francesco; Viola, Egidio

2012-08-01

Corn stover was treated by steam explosion process at four different temperatures. A fraction of the four exploded matters was extracted by water. The eight samples (four from steam explosion and four from water extraction of exploded matters) were analysed by wet chemical way to quantify the amount of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Thermogravimetric analysis in air atmosphere was executed on the eight samples. A mathematical tool was developed, using TGA data, to determine the composition of corn stover in terms of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. It uses the biomass degradation temperature as multiple linear function of the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content of the biomass with interactive terms. The mathematical tool predicted cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents with average absolute errors of 1.69, 5.59 and 0.74 %, respectively, compared to the wet chemical method.

Times and locations of explosions; U.S. Geological Survey 1962 field season

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roller, John C.

1962-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey detonated 86 large charges of chemical explosives in the western United States from 6 June to 9 August 1962, in a study of crustal structure in the western United States. This Technical Letter consists of two tables containing information about these explosions. Table I gives a brief geographical description of the shotpoints, and Table II gives the date, time, location, charge size, surface elevation, and some general information about the shots. In the Remarks column (Table II), the configuration and depth of most of the charges are given. This part of the table is not complete, as some of this information has not yet been compiled. Three types of explosives were used in the program. These were: Nitramon WW, a carbo-nitrate blasting agent; Composition B, a mixture of RDX and TNT; and Tovex-Gel, a non-nitroglycerin blasting slurry. The loading, firing, and surveying was done by United ElectroDynamics, Inc., of Pasadena, California. The timing was done by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Explosive eruptions triggered by rockfalls at Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Orr, Tim R.; Thelen, Weston A.; Patrick, Matthew R.; Swanson, Donald A.; Wilson, David C.

2012-01-01

Ongoing eruptive activity at Kīlauea volcano’s (Hawai‘i) summit has been controlled in part by the evolution of its vent from a 35-m-diameter opening into a collapse crater 150 m across. Geologic observations, in particular from a network of webcams, have provided an unprecedented look at collapse crater development, lava lake dynamics, and shallow outgassing processes. These observations show unequivocally that the hundreds of transient outgassing bursts and weak explosive eruptions that have punctuated the vent’s otherwise nearly steady-state behavior, and that are associated with composite seismic events, were triggered by rockfalls from the vent walls onto the top of the lava column. While the process by which rockfalls drive the explosive bursts is not fully understood, we believe that it is initiated by the generation of a rebound splash, or Worthington jet, which then undergoes fragmentation. The external triggering of low-energy outgassing events by rockfalls represents a new class of small transient explosive eruptions.

Effects of acid impregnated steam explosion process on xylose recovery and enzymatic conversion of cellulose in corncob.

PubMed

Fan, Xiaoguang; Cheng, Gang; Zhang, Hongjia; Li, Menghua; Wang, Shizeng; Yuan, Qipeng

2014-12-19

Corncob residue is a cellulose-rich byproduct obtained from industrial xylose production via dilute acid hydrolysis processes. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in acid hydrolysis residue of corncob (AHRC) is often less efficient without further pretreatment. In this work, the process characteristics of acid impregnated steam explosion were studied in conjunction with a dilute acid process, and their effects on physiochemical changes and enzymatic saccharification of corncob residue were compared. With the acid impregnated steam explosion process, both higher xylose recovery and higher cellulose conversion were obtained. The maximum conversion of cellulose in acid impregnated steam explosion residue of corncob (ASERC) reached 85.3%, which was 1.6 times higher than that of AHRC. Biomass compositional analysis showed similar cellulose and lignin content in ASERC and AHRC. XRD analysis demonstrated comparable crystallinity of ASERC and AHRC. The improved enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency was attributed to higher porosity in ASERC, measured by mercury porosimetry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between pressure and reaction violence in thermal explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smilowitz, L.; Henson, B. F.; Rodriguez, G.; Remelius, D.; Baca, E.; Oschwald, D.; Suvorova, N.

2017-01-01

Reaction violence of a thermal explosion is determined by the energy release rate of the explosive and the coupling of that energy to the case and surroundings. For the HMX and TATB based secondary high explosives studied, we have observed that temperature controls the time to explosion and pressure controls the final energy release rate subsequent to ignition. Pressure measurements in the thermal explosion regime have been notoriously difficult to make due to the extreme rise in temperature which is also occurring during a thermal explosion. We have utilized several different pressure measurement techniques for several different secondary high explosives. These techniques include commercially available piezoelectric and piezoresistive sensors which we have utilized in the low pressure (sub 30 MPa) range of PBX 9502 thermal explosions, and fiber Bragg grating sensors for the higher pressure range (up to GPa) for PBX9501 experiments. In this talk, we will compare the measurement techniques and discuss the pressures measured for the different formulations studied. Simultaneous x-ray radiography measurements of burn velocity will also be shown and correlations between pressure, burn velocity, and reaction violence will be discussed.

Behavioural and Genetic Evidence for C. elegans' Ability to Detect Volatile Chemicals Associated with Explosives

PubMed Central

Liao, Chunyan; Gock, Andrew; Michie, Michelle; Morton, Bethany; Anderson, Alisha; Trowell, Stephen

2010-01-01

Background Automated standoff detection and classification of explosives based on their characteristic vapours would be highly desirable. Biologically derived odorant receptors have potential as the explosive recognition element in novel biosensors. Caenorhabditis elegans' genome contains over 1,000 uncharacterised candidate chemosensory receptors. It was not known whether any of these respond to volatile chemicals derived from or associated with explosives. Methodology/Principal Findings We assayed C. elegans for chemotactic responses to chemical vapours of explosives and compounds associated with explosives. C. elegans failed to respond to many of the explosive materials themselves but showed strong chemotaxis with a number of compounds associated with commercial or homemade explosives. Genetic mutant strains were used to identify the likely neuronal location of a putative receptor responding to cyclohexanone, which is a contaminant of some compounded explosives, and to identify the specific transduction pathway involved. Upper limits on the sensitivity of the nematode were calculated. A sensory adaptation protocol was used to estimate the receptive range of the receptor. Conclusions/Significance: The results suggest that C. elegans may be a convenient source of highly sensitive, narrowly tuned receptors to detect a range of explosive-associated volatiles. PMID:20830309

Understanding how active volcanoes work: a contribution from synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polacci, M.; Baker, D. R.; Mancini, L.

2009-04-01

Volcanoes are complex systems that require the integration of many different geoscience disciplines to understand their behaviour and to monitor and forecast their activity. In the last two decades an increasing amount of information on volcanic processes has been obtained by studying the textures and compositions of volcanic rocks. Five years ago we started a continuing collaboration with the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra Sincrotrone, a third generation synchrotron light source near Trieste, Italy, with the goal of performing high-resolution, phase-contrast X-ray tomographic scans and reconstructing 3-D digital volumes of volcanic specimens. These volumes have been then used for the visualization of the internal structure of rocks and for the quantification of rock textures (i.e., vesicle and crystal volume fraction, individual vesicle volumes and shapes, vesicle connectivity, vesicle volume distributions, permeability simulations etc.). We performed tomographic experiments on volcanic products erupted from different hazardous volcanic systems in Italy and around the world: Campi Flegrei, Stromboli, Etna (Southern Italy), Villarrica (Chile), Yasur and Ambrym (Vanuatu Islands). As an example, we used the results of these studies to constrain the dynamics of vesiculation and degassing in basaltic (Polacci et al., 2006; Burton et al., 2007; Colò et al., 2007; Andronico et al., 2008; Polacci et al., 2008a) and trachytic (Piochi et al., 2008) magmas. A better knowledge of how gas is transported and lost from magmas has led us in turn to draw new implications on the eruptive style of these active, hazardous volcanoes (Polacci et al., 2008b). Work in progress consists of optimizing our procedure by establishing a precise protocol that will enable us to quantitatively study the 3-D texture and composition of rocks in a statistically representative way. Future work will concentrate on the study of the spatial relations between phases (crystals, vesicles and glass) in rocks and their implications on the rheological properties of magmas and on the intensity of explosive activity at volcanoes. Andronico, D., R. A. Corsaro, A. Cristaldi, and M. Polacci (2008), Characterizing high energy explosive eruptions at Stromboli volcano using multidisciplinary data: An example from the 9 January 2005 explosion, J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 176, 541-550. Burton, M. R., H. M. Mader, and M. Polacci (2007), The role of gas percolation in quiescent degassing of persistently active volcanoes, E. Planet. Sci. Lett., 264, 46-60. Colò, L., D. R. Baker, M. Polacci, and M. Ripepe (2007), Magma vesiculation and infrasonic activity in open conduit volcanoes, abstract presented at the AGU 2007 Fall meeting, 10-14 December, San Francisco, California, USA. Piochi, M., M. Polacci, G. De Astis, R. Zanetti, A. Mangiacapra, R. Vannucci, and D. Giordano (2008), Texture and composition of pumices and scoriae from the Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy): implications on the dynamics of explosive eruptions, G-cubed, doi:10.1029/2007GC001746. Polacci, M., D. R. Baker, L. Mancini, G. Tromba, F. Zanini (2006), Three-dimensional investigation of volcanic textures by X-ray microtomography and implications for conduit processes, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, L13312, doi:10.1029/2006GL026241. Polacci, M., D. R. Baker, L. Bai, and L. Mancini (2008a), Large vesicles record pathways of degassing at basaltic volcanoes, Bull. Volcanol., 70, 1023-1029, doi:10.1007/s00445-007-0184-8. Polacci, M., D. R. Baker, L. Mancini, S. Favretto, and R. Hill (2008b), Vesiculation in magmas from Stromboli (Aeolian Archipelago, Italy) and implications for normal Strombolian activity and paroxysmal explosions in basaltic systems, J. Geophys. Res., doi:10.1029/2008JB005802

High-sensitivity explosives detection using dual-excitation-wavelength resonance-Raman detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yellampalle, Balakishore; McCormick, William B.; Wu, Hai-Shan; Sluch, Mikhail; Martin, Robert; Ice, Robert V.; Lemoff, Brian

2014-05-01

A key challenge for standoff explosive sensors is to distinguish explosives, with high confidence, from a myriad of unknown background materials that may have interfering spectral peaks. To meet this challenge a sensor needs to exhibit high specificity and high sensitivity in detection at low signal-to-noise ratio levels. We had proposed a Dual-Excitation- Wavelength Resonance-Raman Detector (DEWRRED) to address this need. In our previous work, we discussed various components designed at WVHTCF for a DEWRRED sensor. In this work, we show a completely assembled laboratory prototype of a DEWRRED sensor and utilize it to detect explosives from two standoff distances. The sensor system includes two novel, compact CW deep-Ultraviolet (DUV) lasers, a compact dual-band high throughput DUV spectrometer, and a highly-sensitive detection algorithm. We choose DUV excitation because Raman intensities from explosive traces are enhanced and fluorescence and solar background are not present. The DEWRRED technique exploits the excitation wavelength dependence of Raman signal strength, arising from complex interplay of resonant enhancement, self-absorption and laser penetration depth. We show measurements from >10 explosives/pre-cursor materials at different standoff distances. The sensor showed high sensitivity in explosive detection even when the signalto- noise ratio was close to one (~1.6). We measured receiver-operating-characteristics, which show a clear benefit in using the dual-excitation-wavelength technique as compared to a single-excitation-wavelength technique. Our measurements also show improved specificity using the amplitude variation information in the dual-excitation spectra.

Fabrication and Characteristics of Al/PTFE Multilayers and Application in Micro-initiator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuxin; Jiang, Hongchuan; Zhao, Xiaohui; Zhang, Wanli; Li, Yanrong

2017-12-01

In this paper, a micro-initiator was designed and fabricated by integrating Al/PTFE multilayers with a Cu film bridge. The regularity layer structure and interface composition of Al/PTFE multilayers was analysed by transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The heat release reaction in Al/PTFE multilayers can be triggered with reaction temperature of 430 °C, and the overall heat of reaction is 3192 J/g. Al/PTFE multilayers with bilayer thickness of 200 nm was alternately deposited on a Cu film bridge to improve the electric explosion performances. Compared to Cu film bridge, the Al/PTFE/Cu integrated film bridge exhibits improved performances with longer explosion duration time, more violent explosion phenomenon and larger quantities of ejected product particles.

Making molecular balloons in laser-induced explosive boiling of polymer solutions.

PubMed

Leveugle, Elodie; Sellinger, Aaron; Fitz-Gerald, James M; Zhigilei, Leonid V

2007-05-25

The effect of the dynamic molecular rearrangements leading to compositional segregation is revealed in coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of short pulse laser interaction with a polymer solution in a volatile matrix. An internal release of matrix vapor at the onset of the explosive boiling of the overheated liquid is capable of pushing polymer molecules to the outskirts of a transient bubble, forming a polymer-rich surface layer enclosing the volatile matrix material. The results explain unexpected "deflated balloon" structures observed in films deposited by the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique.

Simulation of the detonation process of an ammonium nitrate based emulsion explosive using the Lee-Tarver reactive flow model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Jose; Silva, Cristovao; Mendes, Ricardo; Plaksin, Igor; Campos, Jose

2011-06-01

The use of emulsion explosives [EEx] for processing materials (compaction, welding and forming) requires the ability to perform detailed simulations of its detonation process [DP]. Detailed numerical simulations of the DP of this kind of explosives, characterized by having a finite reaction zone thickness, are thought to be suitable performed using the Lee-Tarver reactive flow model. In this work a real coded genetic algorithm methodology was used to estimate the 15 parameters of the reaction rate equation [RRE] of that model for a particular EEx. This methodology allows, in a single optimization procedure, using only one experimental result and without the need of any starting solution, to seek for the 15 parameters of the RRE that fit the numerical to the experimental results. Mass averaging and the Plate-Gap Model have been used for the determination of the shock data used in the unreacted explosive JWL EoS assessment and the thermochemical code THOR retrieved the data used in the detonation products JWL EoS assessment. The obtained parameters allow a good description of the experimental data and show some peculiarities arising from the intrinsic nature of this kind of composite explosive.

Comparing eruptions of varying intensity at Kilauea via melt inclusion analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, D. J.; Plank, T. A.; Hauri, E. H.; Houghton, B. F.; Gonnermann, H. M.; Swanson, D. A.; Blaser, A. P.

2013-12-01

Over the past 500 years explosive summit eruptions from Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, have exhibited a range of eruption magnitudes, from large basaltic sub-plinian events to Hawaiian lava fountains of various intensity. Knowledge of the factors controlling such dramatic changes in explosivity and mass discharge rate is vital for understanding the dynamics of explosive basaltic magma systems, but these remain poorly constrained. At Kilauea this information also has important implications for hazard assessment, as future eruptions may be far larger than those observed historically. To investigate the processes associated with eruptions of varying magnitudes we have analyzed the composition and dissolved volatile contents (H2O-CO2-S-Cl-F) of olivine-hosted melt inclusions, sampled from tephra deposits associated with three eruptions of different sizes: a moderate lava-fountain (1959 Episode of Kilauea Iki); an exceptionally high lava-fountain (1500 CE Keanakāko'i reticulite) and a basaltic sub-plinian eruption (1650 CE Keanakāko'i layer 6 scoria). Over this time period (~500 years) we find no major shifts in the major element composition of primary melts feeding the Kilauea magmatic system, and melt inclusions from all eruptions record similar maximum water (~0.7 wt% H2O) and CO2 (~300 ppm) contents, regardless of eruption magnitude. Co-variations between other volatile species, such as CO2 and S, do not support a role for excess volatiles (i.e. CO2) in the larger eruptions via ';gas-fluxing'. Our data therefore suggests that major shifts in eruptive magnitude are unlikely to be linked to either changes in the primary volatile content of the melts or excess gas supplied by open-system degassing of deeper melts. Rather we find evidence for significant variations in the shallow degassing behavior of magmas associated with the larger Keanakāko'i eruptions (sub-plinian and strong lava-fountaining events) compared to that from less vigorous moderate Kilauea Iki lava-fountaining events. On plots of CO2 versus H2O, Kilauea Iki MI's record volatile contents consistent with equilibrium degassing of magma rising from a depth of ~3 km. In contrast, the volatile contents of melts from the more explosive eruptions appear to be strongly affected by degassing processes at shallow depths (< 300 m), indicating variations in the ascent and storage of melts over this time-period. These changes in storage conditions may be linked to variations in the depth of the summit caldera, which was significantly greater during the older more explosive eruptive phases.

Scene of Multiple Explosions

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-03-07

This composite image NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer shows Z Camelopardalis, or Z Cam, a double-star system featuring a collapsed, dead star, called a white dwarf, and a companion star, as well as a ghostly shell around the system.

Elaboration of the Charge Constructions of Explosives for the Structure of Facing Stone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khomeriki, Sergo; Mataradze, Edgar; Chikhradze, Nikoloz; Losaberidze, Marine; Khomeriki, Davit; Shatberashvili, Grigol

2017-12-01

Increased demand for high-strength facing material caused the enhancement of the volume of explosives use in modern technologies of blocks production. The volume of broken rocks and crushing quality depends on the rock characteristics and on the properties of the explosive, in particular on its brisance and serviceability. Therefore, the correct selection of the explosive for the specific massif is of a considerable practical importance. For efficient mining of facing materials by explosion method the solving of such problems as determination of the method of blasthole drilling as well as of the regime and charge values, selection of the explosive, blastholes distribution in the face and their order is necessary. This paper focuses on technical solutions for conservation of rock natural structure in the blocks of facing material, mined by the use of the explosives. It has been established that the efficient solving of mentioned problem is attained by reducing of shock pulse duration. In such conditions the rigidity of crystalline lattice increases in high pressure area. As a result, the hazard if crack formation in structural unites and the increases of natural cracks are excluded. Short-time action of explosion pulse is possible only by linear charges of the explosives, characterized by high detonation velocity which detonate by the velocity of 7-7.5 km/sec and are characterized by very small critical diameter.

Intermittent explosive disorder in South Africa: prevalence, correlates and the role of traumatic exposures.

PubMed

Fincham, Dylan; Grimsrud, Anna; Corrigall, Joanne; Williams, David R; Seedat, Soraya; Stein, Dan J; Myer, Landon

2009-01-01

The epidemiology of DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is not well characterized in developing country settings. In South Africa, given the high rates of violence and trauma, there is particular interest in traumatic exposures as potential risk factors for IED. We examined the prevalence and predictors of IED in a nationally representative sample of 4,351 South African adults. IED and other diagnoses based on DSM-IV criteria were assessed using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). A 28-item scale was constructed to measure exposure to traumatic events. Overall, 2.0% of participants (95% CI: 0-4.9%) fulfilled criteria for the narrow definition of IED, and 9.5% (95% CI: 6.6-12.3%) fulfilled criteria for the broad definition of IED. Individuals with IED experienced high rates of comorbid anxiety, mood and substance use disorders compared to non-IED participants. In multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of IED was associated with Caucasian and mixed-race ethnicity, psychiatric comorbidity and exposure to multiple traumatic events. These data suggest a relatively high prevalence of IED in South Africa. By reducing violence and trauma, and by providing appropriate psychological support to trauma survivors, we may be able to reduce rates of IED. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder in South Africa: Prevalence, Correlates, and the Role of Traumatic Exposures

PubMed Central

Fincham, D.; Grimsrud, A.; Corrigall, J.; Williams, D.; Seedat, S.; Stein, D.J.; Myer, L.

2011-01-01

Background The epidemiology of DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is not well characterized in developing country settings. In South Africa, given the high rates of violence and trauma, there is particular interest in traumatic exposures as potential risk factors for IED. Methods We examined the prevalence and predictors of IED in a nationally representative sample of 4351 South African adults. IED and other diagnoses based on DSM-IV criteria were assessed using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). A 28 item scale was constructed to measure exposure to traumatic events. Results Overall, 2.0% of participants (95% CI: 0–4.9%) fulfilled criteria for the narrow definition of IED and 9.5% (95% CI: 6.6–12.3%) fulfilled criteria for the broad definition of IED. Individuals with IED experienced high rates of comorbid anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders compared to non-IED participants. In multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of IED was associated with Caucasian and mixed-race ethnicity, psychiatric comorbidity and exposure to multiple traumatic events. Conclusion These data suggest a relatively high prevalence of IED in South Africa. By reducing violence and trauma, and by providing appropriate psychological support to trauma survivors, we may be able to reduce rates of IED. PMID:19225243

3D Graphene Frameworks/Co3 O4 Composites Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitor and Enzymeless Glucose Detection.

PubMed

Bao, Lin; Li, Tao; Chen, Shu; Peng, Chang; Li, Ling; Xu, Qian; Chen, Yashao; Ou, Encai; Xu, Weijian

2017-02-01

3D graphene frameworks/Co 3 O 4 composites are produced by the thermal explosion method, in which the generation of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles, reduction of graphene oxide, and creation of 3D frameworks are simultaneously completed. The process prevents the agglomeration of Co 3 O 4 particles effectively, resulting in monodispersed Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles scattered on the 3D graphene frameworks evenly. The prepared 3D graphene frameworks/Co 3 O 4 composites used as electrodes for supercapacitor display a definite improvement on electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance (≈1765 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1 ), good rate performance (≈1266 F g -1 at a current density of 20 A g -1 ), and excellent stability (≈93% maintenance of specific capacitance at a constant current density of 10 A g -1 after 5000 cycles). In addition, the composites are also employed as nonenzymatic sensors for the electrochemical detection of glucose, which exhibit high sensitivity (122.16 µA mM -1  cm -2 ) and noteworthy lower detection limit (157 × 10 -9 M, S/N = 3). Therefore, the authors expect that the 3D graphene frameworks/Co 3 O 4 composites described here would possess potential applications as the electrode materials in supercapacitors and nonenzymatic detection of glucose. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Application of high explosion cratering data to planetary problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberbeck, V. R.

1977-01-01

The present paper deals with the conditions of explosion or nuclear cratering required to simulate impact crater formation. Some planetary problems associated with three different aspects of crater formation are discussed, and solutions based on high-explosion data are proposed. Structures of impact craters and some selected explosion craters formed in layered media are examined and are related to the structure of lunar basins. The mode of ejection of material from impact craters is identified using explosion analogs. The ejection mode is shown to have important implications for the origin of material in crater and basin deposits. Equally important are the populations of secondary craters on lunar and planetary surfaces.

Three active volcanoes in China and their hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, H.; Sparks, R. S. J.; Liu, R.; Fan, Q.; Wang, Y.; Hong, H.; Zhang, H.; Chen, H.; Jiang, C.; Dong, J.; Zheng, Y.; Pan, Y.

2003-02-01

The active volcanoes in China are located in the Changbaishan area, Jingbo Lake, Wudalianchi, Tengchong and Yutian. Several of these volcanoes have historical records of eruption and geochronological evidence of Holocene activity. Tianchi Volcano is a well-preserved Cenozoic polygenetic central volcano, and, due to its recent history of powerful explosive eruptions of felsic magmas, with over 100,000 people living on its flanks is a high-risk volcano. Explosive eruptions at 4000 and 1000 years BP involved plinian and ignimbrite phases. The Millennium eruption (1000 years BP) involved at least 20-30 km 3 of magma and was large enough to have a global impact. There are 14 Cenozoic monogenetic scoria cones and associated lavas with high-K basalt composition in the Wudalianchi volcanic field. The Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan cones and related lavas were formed in 1720-1721 and 1776 AD. There are three Holocene volcanoes, Dayingshan, Maanshan, and Heikongshan, among the 68 Quaternary volcanoes in the Tengchong volcanic province. Three of these volcanoes are identified as active, based on geothermal activity, geophysical evidence for magma, and dating of young volcanic rocks. Future eruptions of these Chinese volcanoes pose a significant threat to hundreds of thousands of people and are likely to cause substantial economic losses.

Assessing the fate of explosives derived nitrate in mine waste rock dumps using the stable isotopes of oxygen and nitrogen.

PubMed

Hendry, M Jim; Wassenaar, Leonard I; Barbour, S Lee; Schabert, Marcie S; Birkham, Tyler K; Fedec, Tony; Schmeling, Erin E

2018-05-29

Ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3 ) mixed with fuel oil is a common blasting agent used to fragment rock into workable size fractions at mines throughout the world. The decomposition and oxidation of undetonated explosives can result in high NO 3 - concentrations in waters emanating from waste rock dumps. We used the stable isotopic composition of NO 3 - (δ 15 N- and δ 18 O-NO 3 - ) to define and quantify the controls on NO 3 - composition in waste rock dumps by studying water-unsaturated and saturated conditions at nine coal waste rock dumps located in the Elk Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Estimates of the extent of nitrification of NH 4 NO 3 in oxic zones in the dumps, initial NO 3 - concentrations prior to denitrification, and the extent of NO 3 - removal by denitrification in sub-oxic to anoxic zones are provided. δ 15 N data from unsaturated waste rock dumps confirm NO 3 - is derived from blasting. δ 15 N- and δ 18 O-NO 3 - data show extensive denitrification can occur in saturated waste rock and in localized zones of elevated water saturation and low oxygen concentrations in unsaturated waste rock. At the mine dump scale, the extent of denitrification in the unsaturated waste rock was inferred from water samples collected from underlying rock drains. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A morphological investigation of soot produced by the detonation of munitions.

PubMed

Pantea, Dana; Brochu, Sylvie; Thiboutot, Sonia; Ampleman, Guy; Scholz, Günter

2006-10-01

The morphology of three different detonation soot samples along with other common soot materials such as carbon black, diesel soot and chimney soot was studied by elemental and proximate analysis, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The goal of this study was to better define the morphology of the detonation soot in order to better assess the interactions of this type of soot with explosive residues. The detonation soot samples were obtained by the detonation of artillery 155mm projectiles filled with either pure TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) or composition B, a military explosive based on a mixture of TNT and RDX (trimethylentrinitramine). The carbon content of the soot samples varied considerably depending on the feedstock composition. Detonation soot contains less carbon and more nitrogen than the other carbonaceous samples studied, due to the molecular structure of the energetic materials detonated such as TNT and RDX. The ash concentration was higher for detonation soot samples due to the high metal content coming from the projectiles shell and to the soil contamination which occurred during the detonation. By X-ray diffraction, diamond and graphite were found to be the major crystalline carbon forms in the detonation soot. Two electron microscopy techniques were used in this study to visualise the primary particles and to try to explain the formation mechanism of detonation soot samples.

Los Alamos Explosives Performance Key to Stockpile Stewardship

ScienceCinema

Dattelbaum, Dana

2018-02-14

As the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent ages, one essential factor in making sure that the weapons will continue to perform as designed is understanding the fundamental properties of the high explosives that are part of a nuclear weapons system. As nuclear weapons go through life extension programs, some changes may be advantageous, particularly through the addition of what are known as "insensitive" high explosives that are much less likely to accidentally detonate than the already very safe "conventional" high explosives that are used in most weapons. At Los Alamos National Laboratory explosives research includes a wide variety of both large- and small-scale experiments that include small contained detonations, gas and powder gun firings, larger outdoor detonations, large-scale hydrodynamic tests, and at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site, underground sub-critical experiments.

Understanding ultrafine nanodiamond formation using nanostructured explosives

PubMed Central

Pichot, Vincent; Risse, Benedikt; Schnell, Fabien; Mory, Julien; Spitzer, Denis

2013-01-01

The detonation process is able to build new materials with a bottom-up approach. Diamond, the hardest material on earth, can be synthesized in this way. This unconventional synthesis route is possible due to the presence of carbon inside the high-explosive molecules: firing high-explosive mixtures with a negative oxygen balance in a non-oxidative environment leads to the formation of nanodiamond particles. Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexogen (RDX) are the explosives primarily used to synthesize nanodiamonds. Here we show that the use of nanostructured explosive charges leads to the formation of smaller detonation nanodiamonds, and it also provides new understanding of nanodiamond formation-mechanisms. The discontinuity of the explosive at the nanoscale level plays the key role in modifying the diamond particle size, and therefore varying the size with microstructured charges is impossible. PMID:23831716

Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence Measurements of High Explosives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Caggiano, Joseph A.; Warren, Glen A.; Korbly, Steve

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Passport Systems have collaborated to perform Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence experiments using several high quality high-explosive simulant samples. These measurements were conducted to determine the feasibility of finding and characterizing high explosive material by NRF interrogation. Electron beams of 5.1, 5.3, 8, and 10 MeV were used to produce bremsstrahlung photon beams, which irradiated the samples. The gamma-ray spectra were collected using high-purity germanium detectors. Nitrogen-to-carbon ratios of the high-explosive simulants were extracted from the 5.1 and 5.3 MeV data and compare favorably with accepted values. Analysis of the 8 and 10 MeV data is inmore » progress; preliminary isotopic comparisons within the samples are consistent with the expected results.« less

Preparation and characterization of expanded graphite/metal oxides for antimicrobial application.

PubMed

Hung, Wei-Che; Wu, Kuo-Hui; Lyu, Dong-Yi; Cheng, Ken-Fa; Huang, Wen-Chien

2017-06-01

Composite materials based on expanded graphite (EG) and metal oxide (MO) particles was prepared by an explosive combustion and blending method. The objective of the study was to develop EG impregnated with metal oxide particulates (Ag 2 O, CuO and ZnO) and evaluate the level of protection the materials conferred against biological agents. The physical properties of the EG/MO composites were examined using SEM, EDX and XRD spectroscopy, and the results indicated that the MO particles were incorporated into the EG matrix after impregnation. The antimicrobial activities of the EG/MO composites against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and Bacillus anthracis were investigated using zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and plate-counting methods. EG/Ag 2 O exhibited a stronger antibacterial activity than EG/CuO and EG/ZnO, with a MIC of 0.3mg/mL and a MBC of 0.5mg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have demonstrated that EG/MO composites can inhibit the growth of Bacillus anthracis-adhered cells, thus preventing the process of biofilm formation. Nanoscale metal oxides display enhanced reactive properties toward bacteria due to their high surface area, large number of highly reactive edges, corner defect sites and high surface to volume ratio. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Collaborative Point Paper on Active Protection Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

for the Hunter VHP CIED Program. Also, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP), Burlington, VT is contracted by the Marine Corps...the incoming threat at a relatively long distance. Specific details about the composition and mechanism of this explosive interceptor device are...relatively thin shell of ballistic steel and composite armor, also known as hybrid armor, designed to provide optimal protection from specific threats

A mesoscopic reaction rate model for shock initiation of multi-component PBX explosives.

PubMed

Liu, Y R; Duan, Z P; Zhang, Z Y; Ou, Z C; Huang, F L

2016-11-05

The primary goal of this research is to develop a three-term mesoscopic reaction rate model that consists of a hot-spot ignition, a low-pressure slow burning and a high-pressure fast reaction terms for shock initiation of multi-component Plastic Bonded Explosives (PBX). Thereinto, based on the DZK hot-spot model for a single-component PBX explosive, the hot-spot ignition term as well as its reaction rate is obtained through a "mixing rule" of the explosive components; new expressions for both the low-pressure slow burning term and the high-pressure fast reaction term are also obtained by establishing the relationships between the reaction rate of the multi-component PBX explosive and that of its explosive components, based on the low-pressure slow burning term and the high-pressure fast reaction term of a mesoscopic reaction rate model. Furthermore, for verification, the new reaction rate model is incorporated into the DYNA2D code to simulate numerically the shock initiation process of the PBXC03 and the PBXC10 multi-component PBX explosives, and the numerical results of the pressure histories at different Lagrange locations in explosive are found to be in good agreements with previous experimental data. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies of thermal dissolution of RDX in TNT melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suvorova, N. A.; Hamilton, V. T.; Oschwald, D. M.; Balakirev, F. F.; Smilowitz, L. B.; Henson, B. F.

2017-01-01

The thermal response of energetic materials is studied due to its importance in issues of material safety and surety. Secondary high explosives which melt before they thermally decompose present challenging systems to model due to the addition of material flow. Composition B is a particularly challenging system due to its multiphase nature with a low melt component (TNT) and a high melt component (RDX). The dissolution of RDX crystals in molten TNT at the temperature below RDX melting point has been investigated using hot stage microscopy. In this paper, we present data on the dissolution rate of RDX crystals in molten TNT as a function of temperature above the TNT melt.

Organic nanofibrils based on linear carbazole trimer for explosive sensing.

PubMed

Zhang, Chengyi; Che, Yanke; Yang, Xiaomei; Bunes, Benjamin R; Zang, Ling

2010-08-14

Organic fluorescent nanofibrils were fabricated from a linear carbazole trimer and employed for expedient detection of nitroaromatic explosives (DNT and TNT) and highly volatile nitroaliphatic explosives (nitromethane).

Resource recycling technique of abandoned TNT-RDX-AL mixed explosive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Siyang; Ding, Yukui

2017-08-01

TNT-RDX-AL mixed explosive is a kind of high energy mixed explosive. It has the detonation characteristics even when reaching the scrapping standard. Inappropriate disposal often causes serious accident. Employing the resource recycling technique, the abandoned TNT-RDX-AL mixed explosive can be recycled. This paper summarized the progress of recycling of abandoned mixed explosive. What's more, three kinds of technological process of resource recycling abandoned TNT-RDX-AL mixed explosives are introduced. The author analysis of the current recovery processes and provided a reference for the recycling of the other same type explosive.

Preparation and characterization of copper-graphite composites by electrical explosion of wire in liquid.

PubMed

Bien, T N; Gul, W H; Bac, L H; Kim, J C

2014-11-01

Copper-graphite nanocomposites containing 5 vol.% graphite were prepared by a powder metallurgy route using an electrical wire explosion (EEW) in liquid method and spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Graphite rods with a 0.3 mm diameter and copper wire with a 0.2 mm diameter were used as raw materials for EEWin liquid. To compare, a pure copper and copper-graphite mixture was also prepared. The fabricated graphite was in the form of a nanosheet, onto which copper particles were coated. Sintering was performed at 900 degrees C at a heating rate of 30 degrees C/min for 10 min and under a pressure of 70 MPa. The density of the sintered composite samples was measured by the Archimedes method. A wear test was performed by a ball-on-disc tribometer under dry conditions at room temperature in air. The presence of graphite effectively reduced the wear of composites. The copper-graphite nanocomposites prepared by EEW had lower wear rates than pure copper material and simple mixed copper-graphite.

Source and path effects in the wave fields of tremor and explosions at Stromboli Volcano, Italy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chouet, B.; Saccorotti, G.; Martini, M.; Dawson, P.; De Luca, G.; Milana, G.; Scarpa, R.

1997-01-01

The wave fields generated by Strombolian activity are investigated using data from small-aperture seismic arrays deployed on the north flank of Stromboli and data from seismic and pressure transducers set up near the summit crater. Measurements of slowness and azimuth as a function of time clearly indicate that the sources of tremor and explosions are located beneath the summit crater at depths shallower than 200 m with occasional bursts of energy originating from sources extending to a depth of 3 km. Slowness, azimuth, and particle motion measurements reveal a complex composition of body and surface waves associated with topography, structure, and source properties. Body waves originating at depths shallower than 200 m dominate the wave field at frequencies of 0.5-2.5 Hz, and surface waves generated by the surficial part of the source and by scattering sources distributed around the island dominate at frequencies above 2.5 Hz. The records of tremor and explosions are both dominated by SH motion. Far-field records from explosions start with radial motion, and near-field records from those events show dominantly horizontal motion and often start with a low-frequency (1-2 Hz) precursor characterized by elliptical particle motion, followed within a few seconds by a high-frequency radial phase (1-10 Hz) accompanying the eruption of pyroclastics. The dominant component of the near- and far-field particle motions from explosions, and the timing of air and body wave phases observed in the near field, are consistent with a gaspiston mechanism operating on a shallow (<200 m deep), vertical crack-like conduit. Models of a degassing fluid column suggest that noise emissions originating in the collective oscillations of bubbles ascending in the magma conduit may provide an adequate self-excitation mechanism for sustained tremor generation at Stromboli. Copyright 1997 by the American Geophysical Union.

Stratigraphy and textural characteristics of the 1982 83 tephra of Galunggung volcano (Indonesia): implications for volcanic hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gourgaud, A.; Thouret, J.-C.; Bourdier, J.-L.

2000-12-01

The Galunggung volcano in western Java (Indonesia) was the site of historical activity in 1822, 1894, 1918, and 1982-83, located in a pre-historical horseshoe-shaped caldera. In 1982-83, a nine-month-long eruption generated successively (1) ash-and-scoria flows channeled in two valleys and extending 6 km from the vent (vulcanian phase 1), (2) surges and ash falls related to the excavation of a wide maar crater, with ash columns 20 km high (phreatomagmatic phase 2), and (3) ash and scoria falls that built a small cone inside the maar crater (strombolian phase 3). During phreatomagmatic phase 2, there was a significant increase of explosivity. Paradoxically, the magma composition had evolved from andesite to primitive magnesian basalt. Jet-plane incidents were recorded during this period: on the June 24 and July 13, 1982, two Boeing 747 aircraft experienced engine power loss when passing through the plume. The vertical variations of grain sizes and xenolith contents of pyroclasts were measured in the 1982-83 eruptive deposits. We show that a progressive increase of the ratio of xenolith versus juvenile magma before the end of vulcanian phase 1 heralded the increase of explosivity leading towards phreatomagmatic phase 2. In the same way, the decrease of the same ratio at the end of the phreatomagmatic phase 2 heralded the decrease of explosivity and the onset of strombolian phase 3. The transition from phase 1 to phase 2 is also marked by a slight but continuous decrease of the vesicularity index of juvenile clasts. We emphasize the increasing efficiency of groundwater/magma interaction during the eruption. The increasing interaction and renewed explosive activity occurred after a period of rest, during which additional groundwater was supplied in the vicinity of the magma column. The data suggest that it would have been possible to predict as soon as April-May 1982 the transition from vulcanian to phreatomagmatic activity, and consequently the corresponding increase in explosivity.

Solid state gas sensors for detection of explosives and explosive precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Yun

The increased number of terrorist attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) over the past few years has made the trace detection of explosives a priority for the Department of Homeland Security. Considerable advances in early detection of trace explosives employing spectroscopic detection systems and other sensing devices have been made and have demonstrated outstanding performance. However, modern IEDs are not easily detectable by conventional methods and terrorists have adapted to avoid using metallic or nitro groups in the manufacturing of IEDs. Instead, more powerful but smaller compounds, such as TATP are being more frequently used. In addition, conventional detection techniques usually require large capital investment, labor costs and energy input and are incapable of real-time identification, limiting their application. Thus, a low cost detection system which is capable of continuous online monitoring in a passive mode is needed for explosive detection. In this dissertation, a thermodynamic based thin film gas sensor which can reliably detect various explosive compounds was developed and demonstrated. The principle of the sensors is based on measuring the heat effect associated with the catalytic decomposition of explosive compounds present in the vapor phase. The decomposition mechanism is complicated and not well known, but it can be affected by many parameters including catalyst, reaction temperature and humidity. Explosives that have relatively high vapor pressure and readily sublime at room temperature, like TATP and 2, 6-DNT, are ideal candidate for vapor phase detection using the thermodynamic gas sensor. ZnO, W2O 3, V2O5 and SnO2 were employed as catalysts. This sensor exhibited promising sensitivity results for TATP, but poor selectivity among peroxide based compounds. In order to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the thermodynamic sensor, a Pd:SnO2 nanocomposite was fabricated and tested as part of this dissertation. A combinatorial chemistry techniques were used for catalyst discovery. Specially, a series of tin oxide catalysts with continuous varying composition of palladium were fabricated to screen for the optimum Pd loading to maximize specificity. Experimental results suggested that sensors with a 12 wt.% palladium loading generated the highest sensitivity while a 8 wt.% palladium loading provided greatest selectivity. XPS and XRD were used to study how palladium doping level affects the oxidation state and crystal structure of the nanocomposite catalyst. As with any passive detection system, a necessary theme of this dissertation was the mitigation of false positive. Toward this end, an orthogonal detection system comprised of two independent sensing platforms sharing one catalyst was demonstrated using TATP, 2, 6-DNT and ammonium nitrate as target molecules. The orthogonal sensor incorporated a thermodynamic based sensing platform to measure the heat effect associated with the decomposition of explosive molecules, and a conductometric sensing platform that monitors the change in electrical conductivity of the same catalyst when exposed to the explosive substances. Results indicate that the orthogonal sensor generates an effective response to explosives presented at part per billion level. In addition, with two independent sensing platforms, a built-in redundancy of results could be expected to minimize false positive.

Explosion hazards of LPG-air mixtures in vented enclosure with obstacles.

PubMed

Zhang, Qi; Wang, Yaxing; Lian, Zhen

2017-07-15

Numerical simulations were performed to study explosion characteristics of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) explosion in enclosure with a vent. Unlike explosion overpressure and dynamic pressure, explosion temperature of the LPG-air mixture at a given concentration in a vented enclosure has very little variation with obstacle numbers for a given blockage ratio. For an enclosure without obstacle, explosion overpressures for the stoichiometric mixtures and the fuel-lean mixtures reach their maximum within the vent and that for fuel-rich mixture reaches its maximum beyond and near the vent. Dynamic pressures produced by an indoor LPG explosion reach their maximum always beyond the vent no matter obstacles are present or not in the enclosure. A LPG explosion in a vented enclosure with built-in obstacles is strong enough to make the brick and mortar wall with a thickness of 370mm damaged. If there is no obstacle in the enclosure, the lower explosion pressure of several kPa can not break the brick and mortar wall with a thickness of 370mm. For a LPG explosion produced in an enclosure with a vent, main hazards, within the vent, are overpressure and high temperature. However main hazards are dynamic pressure, blast wind, and high temperature beyond the vent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of different materials subjected to open-air explosions in search of explosive traces by Raman microscopy.

PubMed

Zapata, Félix; García-Ruiz, Carmen

2017-06-01

Post-explosion scenes offer such chaos and destruction that evidence recovery and detection of post-blast residues from the explosive in the surrounding materials is highly challenging and difficult. The suitability of materials to retain explosives residues and their subsequent analysis has been scarcely investigated. Particularly, the use of explosive mixtures containing inorganic oxidizing salts to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a current security concern due to their wide availability and lax control. In this work, a wide variety of materials such as glass, steel, plywood, plastic bag, brick, cardboard or cotton subjected to open-air explosions were examined using confocal Raman microscopy, aiming to detect the inorganic oxidizing salts contained in explosives as black powder, chloratite, dynamite, ammonium nitrate fuel oil and ammonal. Post-blast residues were detected through microscopic examination of materials surfaces. In general, the more homogeneous and smoother the surface was, the less difficulties and better results in terms of identification were obtained. However, those highly irregular surfaces were the most unsuitable collectors for the posterior identification of explosive traces by Raman microscopy. The findings, difficulties and some recommendations related to the identification of post-blast particles in the different materials studied are thoroughly discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Andesites of the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coombs, Michelle L.; Sisson, Thomas W.; Bleick, Heather A.; Henton, Sarah M.; Nye, Christopher J.; Payne, Allison; Cameron, Cheryl E.; Larsen, Jessica F.; Wallace, Kristi; Bull, Katharine F.

2013-01-01

Crystal-rich andesites that erupted from Redoubt Volcano in 2009 range from 57.5 to 62.5 wt.% SiO2 and have phenocryst and phenocryst-melt relations consistent with staging in the upper crust. Early explosive products are low-silica andesites (LSA, < 58 wt.% SiO2) that ascended from deeper crustal levels during or before the 6 months of precursory activity, but a broad subsequent succession to more evolved and cooler products, and predominantly effusive dome growth, are interpreted to result from progressive mobilization and mixing with differentiated magmas tapped from pre-2009 Redoubt intrusions at ~ 3–6 km depth. Initial explosions on March 23–28 ejected predominantly LSA with a uniform phenocryst assemblage of high-Al amphibole, ~ An70 plagioclase, ortho- and clinopyroxene, FeTi oxides (890 to 960 °C), and traces of magmatic sulfide. Melt in the dominant microlite-poor LSA was compositionally uniform dacite (67–68 wt.% SiO2) but ranged to rhyolite with greater microlite growth. Minor amounts of intermediate- to high-silica andesite (ISA, HSA; 59–62.5 wt.% SiO2) also erupted during the early explosions and most carried rhyolitic melt (72–74 wt.% SiO2). A lava dome grew following the initial tephra-producing events but was destroyed by an explosion on April 4. Ejecta from the April 4 explosion consists entirely of ISA and HSA, as does a subsequent lava dome that grew April 4–July 1; LSA was absent. Andesites from the April 4 event and from the final dome had pre-eruptive temperatures of 725–840 °C (FeTi oxides) and highly evolved matrix liquids (77–80 wt.% SiO2), including in rare microlite-free pyroclasts. ISA has mixed populations of phenocrysts suggesting it is a hybrid between HSA and LSA. The last lavas from the 2009 eruption, effused May 1–July 1, are distinctly depleted in P2O5, consistent with low temperatures and high degrees of crystallization including apatite.Plagioclase–melt hygrometry and comparison to phase equilibrium experiments are consistent with pre-eruptive storage of all three magma types at 100–160 MPa (4–6 km depth), if they were close to H2O-saturation, coincident with the locus of shallow syn-eruptive seismicity. Deeper storage would be indicated if the magmas were CO2-rich. Relatively coarse-grained clinopyroxene-rich reaction rims on many LSA amphibole phenocrysts may result from slow ascent to, or storage at, depths shallow enough for the onset of appreciable H2O exsolution, consistent with pre-eruptive staging in the uppermost crust. We interpret that the 2009 LSA ascended from depth during the 8 or more months prior to the first eruption, but that the magma stalled and accumulated in the upper crust where its phenocryst rim and melt compositions were established. Ascent of LSA through stagnant mushy intrusions residual from earlier Redoubt activity mobilized differentiated magma pockets and interstitial liquids represented by HSA, and as LSA–HSA hybrids represented by ISA, that fed the subsequently erupted lava domes.

A Supernova Shockwaves

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-13

Supernovae are the explosive deaths of the universe most massive stars. This false-color composite from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope and NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory shows the remnant of N132D, the wispy pink shell of gas at center.

Investigating the fate of nitroaromatic (TNT) and nitramine (RDX and HMX) explosives in fractured and pristine soils.

PubMed

Douglas, Thomas A; Walsh, Marianne E; McGrath, Christian J; Weiss, Charles A

2009-01-01

Explosives compounds, known toxins, are loaded to soils on military training ranges predominantly during explosives detonation events that likely fracture soil particles. This study was conducted to investigate the fate of explosives compounds in aqueous slurries containing fractured and pristine soil particles. Three soils were crushed with a piston to emulate detonation-induced fracturing. X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, gas adsorption surface area measurements, and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify and image pristine and fractured soil particles. Aqueous batches were prepared by spiking soils with solutions containing 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). Samples were collected over 92 d and the concentrations of the spiked explosives compounds and TNT transformation products 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2ADNT) and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4ADNT) were measured. Our results suggest soil mineralogical and geochemical compositions were not changed during piston-induced fracturing but morphological differences were evident with fractured soils exhibiting more angular surfaces, more fine grained particles, and some microfracturing that is not visible in the pristine samples. TNT, 2,4-DNT, RDX, and HMX exhibited greater analyte loss over time in batch solutions containing fractured soil particles compared to their pristine counterparts. 2ADNT and 4ADNT exhibited greater concentrations in slurries containing pristine soils than in slurries containing fractured soils. Explosives compound transformation is greater in the presence of fractured soil particles than in the presence of pristine soil particles. Our results imply fractured soil particles promote explosive compound transformation and/or explosives compounds have a greater affinity for adsorption to fractured soil particle surfaces.

Detonation failure characterization of non-ideal explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janesheski, Robert S.; Groven, Lori J.; Son, Steven

2012-03-01

Non-ideal explosives are currently poorly characterized, hence limiting the modeling of them. Current characterization requires large-scale testing to obtain steady detonation wave characterization for analysis due to the relatively thick reaction zones. Use of a microwave interferometer applied to small-scale confined transient experiments is being implemented to allow for time resolved characterization of a failing detonation. The microwave interferometer measures the position of a failing detonation wave in a tube that is initiated with a booster charge. Experiments have been performed with ammonium nitrate and various fuel compositions (diesel fuel and mineral oil). It was observed that the failure dynamics are influenced by factors such as chemical composition and confiner thickness. Future work is planned to calibrate models to these small-scale experiments and eventually validate the models with available large scale experiments. This experiment is shown to be repeatable, shows dependence on reactive properties, and can be performed with little required material.

30 CFR 77.1301 - Explosives; magazines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... than 6 feet high. (h) Ammonium nitrate-fuel oil blasting agents shall be physically separated from... explosion hazard. (d) Box-type magazines used to store explosives or detonators in work areas shall be...

Formation of structure, phase composition and properties of electro explosion resistant coatings using electron-beam processing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romanov, Denis A., E-mail: romanov-da@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: kos2906@mail.ru, E-mail: budovskih-ea@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: da-rom@live.ru; Sosnin, Kirill V., E-mail: romanov-da@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: kos2906@mail.ru, E-mail: budovskih-ea@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: da-rom@live.ru; Budovskikh, Evgenij A., E-mail: romanov-da@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: kos2906@mail.ru, E-mail: budovskih-ea@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: da-rom@live.ru

2014-11-14

For the first time, the high intensity electron beam modification of electroexplosion composite coatings of MoCu, MoCCu, WCu, WCCu and TiB{sub 2}Cu systems was done. The studies of phase and elemental composition, defective structure conditions of these coatings were carried out. The regimes of electron-beam processing making possible to form the dense, specular luster surface layers having a submicrocrystalline structure were revealed. It was established that electron-beam processing of elecroexplosion spraying of layer of elecroexplosion spraying carried out in the regime of melting results in the formation of structurally and contrationally homogeneous surface layer. Investigation of the effect of electron-beammore » processing of electroexplosion electroerosion resistant coatings on their tribological properties (wear resistanse and coefficient of friction) and electroerosion resistance was done. It was shown that all the examined costings demonstrate the increase of electroerosion resistance in spark erosion up to 10 times.« less

Los Alamos Explosives Performance Key to Stockpile Stewardship

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dattelbaum, Dana

2014-11-03

As the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent ages, one essential factor in making sure that the weapons will continue to perform as designed is understanding the fundamental properties of the high explosives that are part of a nuclear weapons system. As nuclear weapons go through life extension programs, some changes may be advantageous, particularly through the addition of what are known as "insensitive" high explosives that are much less likely to accidentally detonate than the already very safe "conventional" high explosives that are used in most weapons. At Los Alamos National Laboratory explosives research includes a wide variety of both large- andmore » small-scale experiments that include small contained detonations, gas and powder gun firings, larger outdoor detonations, large-scale hydrodynamic tests, and at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site, underground sub-critical experiments.« less

Explosive particle soil surface dispersion model for detonated military munitions.

PubMed

Hathaway, John E; Rishel, Jeremy P; Walsh, Marianne E; Walsh, Michael R; Taylor, Susan

2015-07-01

The accumulation of high explosive mass residue from the detonation of military munitions on training ranges is of environmental concern because of its potential to contaminate the soil, surface water, and groundwater. The US Department of Defense wants to quantify, understand, and remediate high explosive mass residue loadings that might be observed on active firing ranges. Previously, efforts using various sampling methods and techniques have resulted in limited success, due in part to the complicated dispersion pattern of the explosive particle residues upon detonation. In our efforts to simulate particle dispersal for high- and low-order explosions on hypothetical firing ranges, we use experimental particle data from detonations of munitions from a 155-mm howitzer, which are common military munitions. The mass loadings resulting from these simulations provide a previously unattained level of detail to quantify the explosive residue source-term for use in soil and water transport models. In addition, the resulting particle placements can be used to test, validate, and optimize particle sampling methods and statistical models as applied to firing ranges. Although the presented results are for a hypothetical 155-mm howitzer firing range, the method can be used for other munition types once the explosive particle characteristics are known.

Identification of Explosives from Porous Materials: Applications Using Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

C.J. Miller; G. Elias; N.C. Schmitt

2010-06-01

High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography techniques are well documented and widely used for the detection of trace explosives from organic solvents. These techniques were modified to specifically identify and quantify explosives extracted from various materials taken from people who had recently handled explosives. Documented techniques were modified to specifically detect and quantify RDX, TNT, and PETN from denim, colored flannel, vinyl, and canvas extracted in methanol using no sample cleanup prior to analysis. The methanol extracts were injected directly into several different column types and analyzed by HPLC-UV and/or GC-ECD. This paper describes general screening methods that weremore » used to determine the presence of explosives in unknown samples and techniques that have been optimized for quantification of each explosive from the substrate extracts.« less

High Energy Rate Forming Induced Phase Transition in Austenitic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovacs, T.; Kuzsella, L.

2017-02-01

In this study, the effects of explosion hardening on the microstructure and the hardness of austenitic stainless steel have been studied. The optimum explosion hardening technology of austenitic stainless steel was researched. In case of the explosive hardening used new idea means indirect hardening setup. Austenitic stainless steels have high plasticity and can be cold formed easily. However, during cold processing the hardening phenomena always occurs. Upon the explosion impact, the deformation mechanism indicates a plastic deformation and this deformation induces a phase transformation (martensite). The explosion hardening enhances the mechanical properties of the material, includes the wear resistance and hardness [1]. In case of indirect hardening as function of the setup parameters specifically the flayer plate position the hardening increased differently. It was find a relationship between the explosion hardening setup and the hardening level.

NASA Tech Briefs, August 2003

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Topics covered include: Stable, Thermally Conductive Fillers for Bolted Joints; Connecting to Thermocouples with Fewer Lead Wires; Zipper Connectors for Flexible Electronic Circuits; Safety Interlock for Angularly Misdirected Power Tool; Modular, Parallel Pulse-Shaping Filter Architectures; High-Fidelity Piezoelectric Audio Device; Photovoltaic Power Station with Ultracapacitors for Storage; Time Analyzer for Time Synchronization and Monitor of the Deep Space Network; Program for Computing Albedo; Integrated Software for Analyzing Designs of Launch Vehicles; Abstract-Reasoning Software for Coordinating Multiple Agents; Software Searches for Better Spacecraft-Navigation Models; Software for Partly Automated Recognition of Targets; Antistatic Polycarbonate/Copper Oxide Composite; Better VPS Fabrication of Crucibles and Furnace Cartridges; Burn-Resistant, Strong Metal-Matrix Composites; Self-Deployable Spring-Strip Booms; Explosion Welding for Hermetic Containerization; Improved Process for Fabricating Carbon Nanotube Probes; Automated Serial Sectioning for 3D Reconstruction; and Parallel Subconvolution Filtering Architectures.

Probing Dynamic Processes in Explosives and Propellants - Science Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, David

2017-06-01

Recent experiments on advanced light sources have started to unravel some of the micromechanical behavior of single crystal energetic materials, including void collapse under shock loading and inter-granular failure. These examples just scratch the surface of many extant explosives science issues, which could be elucidated with advanced XFEL-type resources. These include such diverse questions as: How do powders actually compact and what are the spatially and temporally resolved temperature and flow fields generated (especially two-phase flows)? Are there polymorphic effects (if so, how are they spatially distributed)? What are the strain fields during compaction? What happens near surfaces, especially for composite explosives? How is mechanics coupled to chemistry? What are hot spots really? I will provide some history behind these and other questions and point towards how future experiments might be designed to provide some answers.

A general framework for numerical simulation of improvised explosive device (IED)-detection scenarios using density functional theory (DFT) and terahertz (THz) spectra.

PubMed

Shabaev, Andrew; Lambrakos, Samuel G; Bernstein, Noam; Jacobs, Verne L; Finkenstadt, Daniel

2011-04-01

We have developed a general framework for numerical simulation of various types of scenarios that can occur for the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) through the use of excitation using incident electromagnetic waves. A central component model of this framework is an S-matrix representation of a multilayered composite material system. Each layer of the system is characterized by an average thickness and an effective electric permittivity function. The outputs of this component are the reflectivity and the transmissivity as functions of frequency and angle of the incident electromagnetic wave. The input of the component is a parameterized analytic-function representation of the electric permittivity as a function of frequency, which is provided by another component model of the framework. The permittivity function is constructed by fitting response spectra calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and parameter adjustment according to any additional information that may be available, e.g., experimentally measured spectra or theory-based assumptions concerning spectral features. A prototype simulation is described that considers response characteristics for THz excitation of the high explosive β-HMX. This prototype simulation includes a description of a procedure for calculating response spectra using DFT as input to the Smatrix model. For this purpose, the DFT software NRLMOL was adopted. © 2011 Society for Applied Spectroscopy

Modeling normal shock velocity curvature relations for heterogeneous explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Sunhee; Crochet, Michael; Pemberton, Steven

2017-01-01

The theory of Detonation Shock Dynamics (DSD) is, in part, an asymptotic method to model a functional form of the relation between the shock normal, its time rate and shock curvature κ. In addition, the shock polar analysis provides a relation between shock angle θ and the detonation velocity Dn that is dependent on the equations of state (EOS) of two adjacent materials. For the axial detonation of an explosive material confined by a cylinder, the shock angle is defined as the angle between the shock normal and the normal to the cylinder liner, located at the intersection of the shock front and cylinder inner wall. Therefore, given an ideal explosive such as PBX-9501 with two functional models determined, a unique, smooth detonation front shape ψ can be determined that approximates the steady state detonation shock front of the explosive. However, experimental measurements of the Dn(κ) relation for heterogeneous explosives such as PBXN-111 [D. K. Kennedy, 2000] are challenging due to the non-smoothness and asymmetry usually observed in the experimental streak records of explosion fronts. Out of many possibilities the asymmetric character may be attributed to the heterogeneity of the explosives; here, material heterogeneity refers to compositions with multiple components and having a grain morphology that can be modeled statistically. Therefore in extending the formulation of DSD to modern novel explosives, we pose two questions: (1) is there any simple hydrodynamic model that can simulate such an asymmetric shock evolution, and (2) what statistics can be derived for the asymmetry using simulations with defined structural heterogeneity in the unreacted explosive? Saenz, Taylor and Stewart [1] studied constitutive models for derivation of the Dn(κ) relation for porous homogeneous explosives and carried out simulations in a spherical coordinate frame. In this paper we extend their model to account for heterogeneity and present shock evolutions in heterogeneous explosives using 2-D hydrodynamic simulations with some statistical examination. As an initial work, we assume that the heterogeneity comes from the local density variation or porosity only.

Effect of acid, steam explosion, and size reduction pretreatments on bio-oil production from sweetgum, switchgrass, and corn stover.

PubMed

Wang, Hui; Srinivasan, Radhakrishnan; Yu, Fei; Steele, Philip; Li, Qi; Mitchell, Brian; Samala, Aditya

2012-05-01

Bio-oil produced from biomass by fast pyrolysis has the potential to be a valuable substitute for fossil fuels. In a recent work on pinewood, we found that pretreatment alters the structure and chemical composition of biomass, which influence fast pyrolysis. In this study, we evaluated dilute acid, steam explosion, and size reduction pretreatments on sweetgum, switchgrass, and corn stover feedstocks. Bio-oils were produced from untreated and pretreated feedstocks in an auger reactor at 450 °C. The bio-oil's physical properties of pH, water content, acid value, density, and viscosity were measured. The chemical characteristics of the bio-oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that bio-oil yield and composition were influenced by the pretreatment method and feedstock type. Bio-oil yields of 52, 33, and 35 wt% were obtained from medium-sized (0.68-1.532 mm) untreated sweetgum, switchgrass, and corn stover, respectively, which were higher than the yields from other sizes. Bio-oil yields of 56, 46, and 51 wt% were obtained from 1% H(2)SO(4)-treated medium-sized sweetgum, switchgrass, and corn stover, respectively, which were higher than the yields from untreated and steam explosion treatments.

Electric conductivity of high explosives with carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubtsov, I. A.; Pruuel, E. R.; Ten, K. A.; Kashkarov, A. O.; Kremenko, S. I.

2017-09-01

The paper presents a technique for introducing carbon nanotubes into high explosives (HEs). For a number of explosives (trinitrotoluene, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, benzotrifuroxan), it was possible to achieve the appearance of conductivity by adding a small amount (up to 1% by mass) of single-walled carbon nanotubes TUBALL COATE H2O (CNTs) produced by OCSiAl. Thus it is possible to reduce the sensitivity of explosives to static electricity by adding an insignificant part of conductive nanotubes. This will increase safety of HEs during production and application and will reduce the number of accidents.

A novel method for the measurement of the von Neumann spike in detonating high explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sollier, A.; Bouyer, V.; Hébert, P.; Doucet, M.

2016-06-01

We present detonation wave profiles measured in T2 (97 wt. % TATB) and TX1 (52 wt. % TATB and 45 wt. % HMX) high explosives. The experiments consisted in initiating a detonation wave in a 15 mm diameter cylinder of explosive using an explosive wire detonator and an explosive booster. Free surface velocity wave profiles were measured at the explosive/air interface using a Photon Doppler Velocimetry system. We demonstrate that a comparison of these free surface wave profiles with those measured at explosive/window interfaces in similar conditions allows to bracket the von Neumann spike in a narrow range. For T2, our measurements show that the spike pressure lies between 35.9 and 40.1 GPa, whereas for TX1, it lies between 42.3 and 47.0 GPa. The numerical simulations performed in support to these measurements show that they can be used to calibrate reactive burn models and also to check the accuracy of the detonation products equation of state at low pressure.

TIME-SEQUENCED X-RAY OBSERVATION OF A THERMAL EXPLOSION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tringe, J. W.; Molitoris, J. D.; Kercher, J. R.

The evolution of a thermally-initiated explosion is studied using a multiple-image x-ray system. HMX-based PBX 9501 is used in this work, enabling direct comparison to recently-published data obtained with proton radiography [1]. Multiple x-ray images of the explosion are obtained with image spacing of ten microseconds or more. The explosion is simultaneously characterized with a high-speed camera using an interframe spacing of 11 mus. X-ray and camera images were both initiated passively by signals from an embedded thermocouple array, as opposed to being actively triggered by a laser pulse or other external source. X-ray images show an accelerating reacting frontmore » within the explosive, and also show unreacted explosive at the time the containment vessel bursts. High-speed camera images show debris ejected from the vessel expanding at 800-2100 m/s in the first tens of mus after the container wall failure. The effective center of the initiation volume is about 6 mm from the geometric center of the explosive.« less

The effect of explosive percentage on underwater explosion energy release of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane and octogen based aluminized explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Qingjie; Wang, Qiushi; Nie, Jianxin; Guo, Xueyong; Zhang, Wei; Fan, Wenqi

2018-03-01

To control the explosion energy output by optimizing explosive components is a key requirement in a number of different application areas. The effect of different Al/O Ratio on underwater explosion of aluminized explosives has been studied detailedly. However, the effect of explosive percentage in the same Al/O Ratio is rarely researched, especially for Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) based aluminized explosives. In this study, we performed the underwater explosion experiments with 1.2-kilogram explosives in order to investigate the explosion energy released from CL-20 and Octogen (HMX) based aluminized explosives. The percentage of the explosive varied from 5% to 30% and it is shown that: the shockwave peak pressure (pm) grows gradually; shock wave energy (Es) continues increasing, bubble energy (Eb) increases then decreases peaking at 15% for both formulas, and the total energy (E) and energy release rate (η) peak at 20% for CL-20 and 15% for HMX. This paper outlines the physical mechanism of Eb change under the influence of an aluminium initial reaction temperature and reaction active detonation product percentage coupling. The result shows that CL-20 is superior as a new high explosive and has promising application prospects in the regulation of explosive energy output for underwater explosives.

Determination of the Zone Endangered by Methane Explosion in Goaf with Caving of Longwalls Ventilated on "Y" System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodny, Jarosław; Tutak, Magdalena

2016-12-01

One of the most dangerous and most commonly present risks in hard coal mines is methane hazard. During exploitation by longwall system with caving, methane is emitted to mine heading from the mined coal and coal left in a pile. A large amount of methane also flows from neighboring seams through cracks and fissures formed in rock mass. In a case of accumulation of explosive methane concentration in goaf zone and with appropriate oxygen concentration and occurrence of initials (e.g. spark or endogenous fire), it may come to the explosion of this gas. In the paper there are presented results of numerical analysis of mixture of air and methane streams flow through the real heading system of a mine, characterized by high methane hazard. The aim of the studies was to analyze the ventilation system of considered heading system and determination of braking zones in goaf zone, in which dangerous and explosive concertation of methane can occur with sufficient oxygen concentration equal to at least 12%. Determination of position of these zones is necessary for the selection of appropriate parameters of the ventilation system to ensure safety of the crew. Analysis of the scale of methane hazard allows to select such a ventilation system of exploitation and neighboring headings that ensures chemical composition of mining atmosphere required by regulation, and required efficiency of methane drainage. The obtained results clearly show that numerical methods, combined with the results of tests in real conditions can be successfully used for the analysis of variants of processes related to ventilation of underground mining, and also in the analysis of emergency states.

Transient numerical model of magma ascent dynamics: application to the explosive eruptions at the Soufrière Hills Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Spina, G.; de'Michieli Vitturi, M.; Clarke, A. B.

2017-04-01

Volcanic activity exhibits a wide range of eruption styles, from relatively slow effusive eruptions that produce lava flows and lava domes, to explosive eruptions that can inject large volumes of fragmented magma and volcanic gases high into the atmosphere. Although controls on eruption style and scale are not fully understood, previous research suggests that the dynamics of magma ascent in the shallow subsurface (< 10 km depth) may in part control the transition from effusive to explosive eruption and variations in eruption style and scale. Here we investigate the initial stages of explosive eruptions using a 1D transient model for magma ascent through a conduit based on the theory of the thermodynamically compatible systems. The model is novel in that it implements finite rates of volatile exsolution and velocity and pressure relaxation between the phases. We validate the model against a simple two-phase Riemann problem, the Air-Water Shock Tube problem, which contains strong shock and rarefaction waves. We then use the model to explore the role of the aforementioned finite rates in controlling eruption style and duration, within the context of two types of eruptions at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat: Vulcanian and sub-Plinian eruptions. Exsolution, pressure, and velocity relaxation rates all appear to exert important controls on eruption duration. More significantly, however, a single finite exsolution rate characteristic of the Soufrière Hills magma composition is able to produce both end-member eruption durations observed in nature. The duration therefore appears to be largely controlled by the timescales available for exsolution, which depend on dynamic processes such as ascent rate and fragmentation wave speed.

Explosive laser light initiation of propellants

DOEpatents

Piltch, Martin S.

1993-01-01

A improved initiator for artillery shell using an explosively generated laser light to uniformly initiate the propellent. A small quantity of a high explosive, when detonated, creates a high pressure and temperature, causing the surrounding noble gas to fluoresce. This fluorescence is directed into a lasing material, which lases, and directs laser light into a cavity in the propellant, uniformly initiating the propellant.

Explosive laser light initiation of propellants

DOEpatents

Piltch, M.S.

1993-05-18

A improved initiator for artillery shell using an explosively generated laser light to uniformly initiate the propellent. A small quantity of a high explosive, when detonated, creates a high pressure and temperature, causing the surrounding noble gas to fluoresce. This fluorescence is directed into a lasing material, which lases, and directs laser light into a cavity in the propellant, uniformly initiating the propellant.

Explosion-Induced Implosions of Cylindrical Shell Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, C. M.; Duncan, J. H.

2010-11-01

An experimental study of the explosion-induced implosion of cylindrical shell structures in a high-pressure water environment was performed. The shell structures are filled with air at atmospheric pressure and are placed in a large water-filled pressure vessel. The vessel is then pressurized to various levels P∞=αPc, where Pc is the natural implosion pressure of the model and α is a factor that ranges from 0.1 to 0.9. An explosive is then set off at various standoff distances, d, from the model center line, where d varies from R to 10R and R is the maximum radius of the explosion bubble. High-speed photography (27,000 fps) was used to observe the explosion and resulting shell structure implosion. High-frequency underwater blast sensors recorded dynamic pressure waves at 6 positions. The cylindrical models were made from aluminum (diameter D = 39.1 mm, wall thickness t = 0.89 mm, length L = 240 mm) and brass (D = 16.7 mm, t = 0.36 mm, L=152 mm) tubes. The pressure records are interpreted in light of the high-speed movies. It is found that the implosion is induced by two mechanisms: the shockwave generated by the explosion and the jet formed during the explosion-bubble collapse. Whether an implosion is caused by the shockwave or the jet depends on the maximum bubble diameter and the standoff distance.

MODELING SNR CASSIOPEIA A FROM THE SUPERNOVA EXPLOSION TO ITS CURRENT AGE: THE ROLE OF POST-EXPLOSION ANISOTROPIES OF EJECTA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Orlando, S.; Miceli, M.; Pumo, M. L.

The remnants of core-collapse supernovae (SNe) have complex morphologies that may reflect asymmetries and structures developed during the progenitor SN explosion. Here we investigate how the morphology of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A) reflects the characteristics of the progenitor SN with the aim of deriving the energies and masses of the post-explosion anisotropies responsible for the observed spatial distribution of Fe and Si/S. We model the evolution of Cas A from the immediate aftermath of the progenitor SN to the three-dimensional interaction of the remnant with the surrounding medium. The post-explosion structure of the ejecta is described bymore » small-scale clumping of material and larger-scale anisotropies. The hydrodynamic multi-species simulations consider an appropriate post-explosion isotopic composition of the ejecta. The observed average expansion rate and shock velocities can be well reproduced by models with ejecta mass M {sub ej} ≈ 4 M {sub ⊙} and explosion energy E {sub SN} ≈ 2.3 × 10{sup 51} erg. The post-explosion anisotropies (pistons) reproduce the observed distributions of Fe and Si/S if they had a total mass of ≈0.25 M {sub ⊙} and a total kinetic energy of ≈1.5 × 10{sup 50} erg. The pistons produce a spatial inversion of ejecta layers at the epoch of Cas A, leading to the Si/S-rich ejecta physically interior to the Fe-rich ejecta. The pistons are also responsible for the development of the bright rings of Si/S-rich material which form at the intersection between the reverse shock and the material accumulated around the pistons during their propagation. Our result supports the idea that the bulk of asymmetries observed in Cas A are intrinsic to the explosion.« less

Identifying explosives by dielectric properties obtained through wide-band millimeter-wave illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weatherall, James C.; Barber, Jeffrey; Smith, Barry T.

2015-05-01

A method for extracting dielectric constant from free-space 18 - 40 GHz millimeter-wave reflection data is demonstrated. The reflection coefficient is a function of frequency because of propagation effects, and numerically fitting data to a theoretical model based on geometric optics gives a solution for the complex dielectric constant and target thickness. The discriminative value is illustrated with inert substances and military sheet explosive. In principle, the measurement of reflectivity across multiple frequencies can be incorporated into Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) systems to automatically identify the composition of anomalies detected on persons at screening checkpoints.

Molecular design and property prediction of high density polynitro[3.3.3]-propellane-derivatized frameworks as potential high explosives.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinghua; Zhang, Jiaheng; Qi, Xiujuan; Shreeve, Jean'ne M

2014-11-13

Research in energetic materials is now heavily focused on the design and synthesis of novel insensitive high explosives (IHEs) for specialized applications. As an effective and time-saving tool for screening potential explosive structures, computer simulation has been widely used for the prediction of detonation properties of energetic molecules with relatively high precision. In this work, a series of new polynitrotetraoxopentaaza[3.3.3]-propellane molecules with tricyclic structures were designed. Their properties as potential high explosives including density, heats of formation, detonation properties, impact sensitivity, etc., have been extensively evaluated using volume-based thermodynamic calculations and density functional theory (DFT).These new energetic molecules exhibit high densities of >1.82 g cm(-3), in which 1 gives the highest density of 2.04 g cm(-3). Moreover, most new materials show good detonation properties and acceptable impact sensitivities, in which 5 displays much higher detonation velocity (9482 m s(-1)) and pressure (43.9 GPa) than HMX and has a h50 value of 11 cm. These results are expected to facilitate the experimental synthesis of new-generation nitramine-based high explosives.

Hot-spot contributions in shocked high explosives from mesoscale ignition models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levesque, G.; Vitello, P.; Howard, W. M.

2013-06-01

High explosive performance and sensitivity is strongly related to the mesoscale defect densities. Bracketing the population of mesoscale hot spots that are active in the shocked ignition of explosives is important for the development of predictive reactive flow models. By coupling a multiphysics-capable hydrodynamics code (ale3d) with a chemical kinetics solver (cheetah), we can parametrically analyze different pore sizes undergoing collapse in high pressure shock conditions with evolving physical parameter fields. Implementing first-principles based decomposition kinetics, burning hot spots are monitored, and the regimes of pore sizes that contribute significantly to burnt mass faction and those that survive thermal conduction on the time scales of ignition are elucidated. Comparisons are drawn between the thermal explosion theory and the multiphysics models for the determination of nominal pore sizes that burn significantly during ignition for the explosive 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene.

LX-04 VIOLENCE MEASUREMENTS- STEVEN TESTS IMPACTED BY PROJECTILES SHOT FROM A HOWITZER GUN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chidester, S K; Vandersall, K S; Switzer, L L

Characterization of the reaction violence of LX-04 explosive (85% HMX and 15% Viton A by weight) was obtained from Steven Impact Tests performed above the reaction initiation threshold. A 155 mm Howitzer propellant driven gas gun was used to accelerate the Steven Test projectiles in the range of approximately 170-300 m/s to react (ignite) the LX-04 explosive. Blast overpressure gauges, acoustic microphones, and high-speed photography characterized the level of high explosive reaction violence. A detonation in this velocity range was not observed and when comparing these results (and the Susan test results) with that of other HMX based explosives, LX-04more » has a more gradual reaction violence slope as the impact velocity increases. The high binder content (15%) of the LX-04 explosive is believed to be the key factor to the lower level of violence.« less

Accuracy and Calibration of High Explosive Thermodynamic Equations of State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Ernest L.; Capellos, Christos; Stiel, Leonard I.; Pincay, Jack

2010-10-01

The Jones-Wilkins-Lee-Baker (JWLB) equation of state (EOS) was developed to more accurately describe overdriven detonation while maintaining an accurate description of high explosive products expansion work output. The increased mathematical complexity of the JWLB high explosive equations of state provides increased accuracy for practical problems of interest. Increased numbers of parameters are often justified based on improved physics descriptions but can also mean increased calibration complexity. A generalized extent of aluminum reaction Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL)-based EOS was developed in order to more accurately describe the observed behavior of aluminized explosives detonation products expansion. A calibration method was developed to describe the unreacted, partially reacted, and completely reacted explosive using nonlinear optimization. A reasonable calibration of a generalized extent of aluminum reaction JWLB EOS as a function of aluminum reaction fraction has not yet been achieved due to the increased mathematical complexity of the JWLB form.

Design of a Simple Blast Pressure Gauge Based on a Heterodyne Velocimetry Measuring Technique

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

deployed in an experiment during which the blast pressure was measured from detonation of 114 g of Primasheet 1000 high explosive. The gauge reported... detonation of high explosive where accelerated projectiles and debris may occur. Many times, overpressures generated by such events can be a nuisance to...as that generated by release of energy from a high-explosive detonation or deflagration, materials such as metals or ceramics may be needed. A

High-Speed Photography of Detonation Propagation in Dynamically Precompressed Liquid Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petel, O. E.; Higgins, A. J.; Yoshinaka, A. C.; Zhang, F.

2007-12-01

The propagation of detonation in shock-compressed nitromethane was observed with a high-speed framing camera. The test explosive, nitromethane, was compressed by a reverberating shock wave to pressures as high as 10 GPa prior to being detonated by a secondary detonation event. The pressure and density in the test explosive prior to detonation were determined using two methods: manganin stress gauge measurements and LS-DYNA simulations. The velocity of the detonation front was determined from consecutive frames and correlated to the density of the reverberating shock-compressed explosive prior to detonation. Observing detonation propagation under these non-ambient conditions provides data which can be useful in the validation of equation of state models.

Sensitivity of energy-packed compounds based on superfine and nanoporous silicon to pulsed electrical treatments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zegrya, G. G.; Savenkov, G. G.; Morozov, V. A.

2017-04-15

The sensitivity of an energy-packed compound based on nanoporous silicon and calcium perchlorate to a high-current electron beam is studied. The initiation of explosive transformations in a mixture of potassium picrate with a highly dispersed powder of boron-doped silicon by means of a high-voltage discharge is examined. It is shown that explosive transformation modes (combustion and explosion) appear in the energy-packed compound under study upon its treatment with an electron beam. A relationship is established between the explosive transformation modes and the density of the energy-packed compound and between the breakdown (initiation) voltage and the mass fraction of the siliconmore » powder.« less

F region above Kauai - Measurement, model, modification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, C. Y.; Sjolander, G. W.; Oran, E. S.; Young, T. R.; Bernhardt, P. A.; Da Rosa, A. V.

1980-01-01

Results of the Lagopedo II experiment conducted from Kauai, Hawaii to investigate the ionospheric modification that occurs when rocket combustion products are introduced into the O(+)-rich F region are presented. The experiment involved the detonation of a chemical explosion in the F2 peak accompanied by rocket-borne measurements of ion composition and electron content in the vicinity of the explosion. The experimental data is found to be in good agreement with the predictions of a model of the nighttime ion densities in the midlatitude laminar ionosphere, with the exception of N2(+) densities before the explosion. H2O(+) and H3O(+) currents produced by considerable H2O outgassing from the rocket are used to determine a H3O(+)/H2O(+) dissociative recombination rate averaging 1.6 to 1.08, depending on model assumptions. At the time of the explosion, an ionic void 1 km in radius is observed, the boundary of which is characterized by a steep gradient in ionic densities. Evidence of variations in the concentrations of ambient ion species, new reactant species and ionic depletion by sweeping is also obtained.

Explosion characteristics of synthesised biogas at various temperatures.

PubMed

Dupont, L; Accorsi, A

2006-08-25

Biogas is considered as a valuable source of renewable energy. Indeed, it can be turned into useful energy (heat, electricity, fuel) and can contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Knowledge of its safety characteristics is a very important practical issue. Experimental investigation of synthesised biogas explosion characteristics was conducted in a 20-L sphere at various temperatures (30-70 degrees C) and at atmospheric pressure. The studied biogas was made of 50% methane (CH(4)) and 50% carbon dioxide (CO(2)). It was also saturated with humidity: this composition is frequently met in digesters during waste methanisation. There are two inert gases in biogas: water vapour and carbon dioxide. Its vapour water content rises along with temperature. The presence of these inert gases modifies considerably biogas characteristics compared to the ones of pure methane: explosion limits are lowered and beyond 70 degrees C, water vapour content is sufficient to inert the mixture. Furthermore, explosion violence (estimated with the maximum rate of pressure rise values, (dp/dt)(max)) is three times lower for biogas than for pure methane at ambient temperature.

Controlling state explosion during automatic verification of delay-insensitive and delay-constrained VLSI systems using the POM verifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Probst, D.; Jensen, L.

1991-01-01

Delay-insensitive VLSI systems have a certain appeal on the ground due to difficulties with clocks; they are even more attractive in space. We answer the question, is it possible to control state explosion arising from various sources during automatic verification (model checking) of delay-insensitive systems? State explosion due to concurrency is handled by introducing a partial-order representation for systems, and defining system correctness as a simple relation between two partial orders on the same set of system events (a graph problem). State explosion due to nondeterminism (chiefly arbitration) is handled when the system to be verified has a clean, finite recurrence structure. Backwards branching is a further optimization. The heart of this approach is the ability, during model checking, to discover a compact finite presentation of the verified system without prior composition of system components. The fully-implemented POM verification system has polynomial space and time performance on traditional asynchronous-circuit benchmarks that are exponential in space and time for other verification systems. We also sketch the generalization of this approach to handle delay-constrained VLSI systems.

Estimation of the Reactive Flow Model Parameters for an Ammonium Nitrate-Based Emulsion Explosive Using Genetic Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, J. B.; Silva, C.; Mendes, R.

2010-10-01

A real coded genetic algorithm methodology that has been developed for the estimation of the parameters of the reaction rate equation of the Lee-Tarver reactive flow model is described in detail. This methodology allows, in a single optimization procedure, using only one experimental result and, without the need of any starting solution, to seek the 15 parameters of the reaction rate equation that fit the numerical to the experimental results. Mass averaging and the plate-gap model have been used for the determination of the shock data used in the unreacted explosive JWL equation of state (EOS) assessment and the thermochemical code THOR retrieved the data used in the detonation products' JWL EOS assessments. The developed methodology was applied for the estimation of the referred parameters for an ammonium nitrate-based emulsion explosive using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-embedded manganin gauge pressure-time data. The obtained parameters allow a reasonably good description of the experimental data and show some peculiarities arising from the intrinsic nature of this kind of composite explosive.

The classification of explosion-proof protected induction motor into adequate temperature and efficiency class

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brinovar, Iztok; Srpčič, Gregor; Seme, Sebastijan; Štumberger, Bojan; Hadžiselimović, Miralem

2017-07-01

This article deals with the classification of explosion-proof protected induction motors, which are used in hazardous areas, into adequate temperature and efficiency class. Hazardous areas are defined as locations with a potentially explosive atmosphere where explosion may occur due to present of flammable gasses, liquids or combustible dusts (industrial plants, mines, etc.). Electric motors and electrical equipment used in such locations must be specially designed and tested to prevent electrical initiation of explosion due to high surface temperature and arcing contacts. This article presents the basic tests of three-phase explosion-proof protected induction motor with special emphasis on the measuring system and temperature rise test. All the measurements were performed with high-accuracy instrumentation and accessory equipment and carried out at the Institute of energy technology in the Electric machines and drives laboratory and Applied electrical engineering laboratory.

Explosion interaction with water in a tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homae, T.; Sugiyama, Y.; Wakabayashi, K.; Matsumura, T.; Nakayama, Y.

2017-02-01

As proposed and legislated in Japan, subsurface magazines have an explosive storage chamber, a horizontal passageway, and a vertical shaft for a vent. The authors found that a small amount of water on the floor of the storage chamber mitigated blast pressure remarkably. The mitigation mechanism has been examined more closely. To examine the effect of water, the present study assesses explosions in a transparent, square cross section, and a straight tube. A high-speed camera used to observe the tube interior. Blast pressure in and around the tube was also measured. Images obtained using the high-speed camera revealed that water inside the tube did not move after the explosion. Differences between cases of tubes without water and with water were unclear. Along with blast pressure measurements, these study results suggest that blast pressure mitigation by water occurs because of interaction between the explosion and the water near the explosion point.

Crystal structure and explosive performance of a new CL-20/caprolactam cocrystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Changyan; Zhang, Haobin; Wang, Xiaochuan; Xu, Jinjiang; Liu, Yu; Liu, Xiaofeng; Huang, Hui; Sun, Jie

2013-09-01

Co-crystallization is an effective way to improve performance of the high explosive 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20). A new CL-20/caprolactam (CPL) cocrystal has been prepared by a rapid solvent evaporation method, and the crystal structure investigations show that the cocrystal is formed by strong intermolecular hydrogen bond interaction. The cocrystal can only be prepared with low moisture content of the air, because water in the air has a profound effect on the cocrystal formation, and it can lead to crystal form conversion of CL-20, but not the formation of cocrystal. The CL20/CPL explosive possess very low sensitivity, and may be used as additive in explosives formulation to desensitize other high explosives.

Test of the stress sensitization model in adolescents following the pipeline explosion.

PubMed

Shao, Di; Gao, Qing-Ling; Li, Jie; Xue, Jiao-Mei; Guo, Wei; Long, Zhou-Ting; Cao, Feng-Lin

2015-10-01

The stress sensitization model states that early traumatic experiences increase vulnerability to the adverse effects of subsequent stressful life events. This study examined the effect of stress sensitization on development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Chinese adolescents who experienced the pipeline explosion. A total of 670 participants completed self-administered questionnaires on demographic characteristics and degree of explosion exposure, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Associations among the variables were explored using MANOVA, and main effects and interactions were analyzed. Overall MANOVA tests with the PCL-C indicated significant differences for gender (F=6.86, p=.000), emotional abuse (F=6.79, p=.000), and explosion exposure (F=22.40, p=.000). There were significant interactions between emotional abuse and explosion exposure (F=3.98, p=.008) and gender and explosion exposure (F=2.93, p=.033). Being female, childhood emotional abuse, and a high explosion exposure were associated with high PTSD symptom levels. Childhood emotional abuse moderated the effect of explosion exposure on PTSD symptoms. Thus, stress sensitization influenced the development of PTSD symptoms in Chinese adolescents who experienced the pipeline explosion as predicted by the model. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biotransformation of explosives by Reticulitermes flavipes--associated termite Endosymbionts.

PubMed

Indest, Karl J; Eaton, Hillary L; Jung, Carina M; Lounds, Caly B

2014-01-01

Termites have an important role in the carbon and nitrogen cycles despite their reputation as destructive pests. With the assistance of microbial endosymbionts, termites are responsible for the conversion of complex biopolymers into simple carbon substrates. Termites also rely on endosymbionts for fixing and recycling nitrogen. As a result, we hypothesize that termite bacterial endosymbionts are a novel source of metabolic pathways for the transformation of nitrogen-rich compounds like explosives. Explosives transformation capability of termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)-derived endosymbionts was determined in media containing the chemical constituents nitrotriazolone (NTO) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) that comprise new insensitive explosive formulations. Media dosed with 40 µg/ml of explosive was inoculated with surface-sterilized, macerated termites. Bacterial isolates capable of explosives transformation were characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. Termite-derived enrichment cultures demonstrated degradation activity towards the explosives NTO, RDX, as well as the legacy explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Three isolates with high similarity to the Enterobacteriaceae(Enterobacter, Klebsiella) were able to transform TNT and NTO within 2 days, while isolates with high similarity to Serratia marcescens and Lactococcus lactis were able to transform RDX. Termite endosymbionts harbor a range of metabolic activities and possess unique abilities to transform nitrogen-rich explosives. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Are amino groups advantageous to insensitive high explosives (IHEs)?

PubMed

Cao, Xia; Wen, Yushi; Xiang, Bin; Long, Xinping; Zhang, Chaoyang

2012-10-01

There is usually a contradiction between increasing energy densities and reducing sensitivities of explosives. The explosives with both high energy densities and low sensitivities, or the so-called insensitive high explosives (IHEs), are desirable in most cases. It seems from applied explosives that amino groups are advantageous to IHE but the amount of amino groups contained IHEs is very limited. To make this clear, we present systemic examinations of the effects on the two properties stressed in IHEs after introducing amino groups to different molecular skeletons. As a result, the amino groups on resonant sites to nitro groups in conjugated systems can improve distinctly sensitivities and change energy densities in terms of oxygen balance; while the amino groups in unconjugated systems can hardly increase energy densities and usually cause increased sensitivities. It agrees well with a fact that almost all the molecules of applied amino group contained explosives possess conjugated skeletons. We therefore confirm that if amino groups are introduced resonantly to a nitro group in a conjugated system and the introduction improves OB, they are advantageous to IHEs.

Shock-induced reaction synthesis of cubic boron nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beason, M. T.; Pauls, J. M.; Gunduz, I. E.; Rouvimov, S.; Manukyan, K. V.; Matouš, K.; Son, S. F.; Mukasyan, A.

2018-04-01

Here, we report ultra-fast (0.1-5 μs) shock-induced reactions in the 3B-TiN system, leading to the direct synthesis of cubic boron nitride, which is extremely rare in nature and is the second hardest material known. Composite powders were produced through high-energy ball milling to provide intimate mixing and subsequently shocked using an explosive charge. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirm the formation of nanocrystalline grains of c-BN produced during the metathetical reaction between boron and titanium nitride. Our results illustrate the possibility of rapid reactions enabled by high-energy ball milling possibly occurring in the solid state on incredibly short timescales. This process may provide a route for the discovery and fabrication of advanced compounds.

High Temperature Perforating System for Geothermal Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smart, Moises E.

The objective of this project is to develop a perforating system consisting of all the explosive components and hardware, capable of reliable performance in high temperatures geothermal wells (>200 ºC). In this light we will focused on engineering development of these components, characterization of the explosive raw powder and developing the internal infrastructure to increase the production of the explosive from laboratory scale to industrial scale.

The High Energy Lightning Simulator (HELS) Test Facility for Testing Explosive Items

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-08-01

Center, Redstone Arsenal, AL Thomas E. Roy and David W. Bagwell AMTEC Corporation, Huntsville, AL ABSTRACT Details of the High Energy Lightning...simulated lightning testing of inerted missiles and inerted explosive items containing electrically initiated explosive trains is to determine the...penetrate the safety cages, which are electrically conductive and grounded, without loss of current. This transmission system consists of six large

Prediction of the explosion effect of aluminized explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qi; Xiang, Cong; Liang, HuiMin

2013-05-01

We present an approach to predict the explosion load for aluminized explosives using a numerical calculation. A code to calculate the species of detonation products of high energy ingredients and those of the secondary reaction of aluminum and the detonation products, velocity of detonation, pressure, temperature and JWL parameters of aluminized explosives has been developed in this study. Through numerical calculations carried out with this code, the predicted JWL parameters for aluminized explosives have been compared with those measured by the cylinder test. The predicted JWL parameters with this code agree with those measured by the cylinder test. Furthermore, the load of explosion for the aluminized explosive was calculated using the numerical simulation by using the JWL equation of state. The loads of explosion for the aluminized explosive obtained using the predicted JWL parameters have been compared with those using the measured JWL parameters. Both of them are almost the same. The numerical results using the predicted JWL parameters show that the explosion air shock wave is the strongest when the mass fraction of aluminum powder in the explosive mixtures is 30%. This result agrees with the empirical data.

Method and apparatus for detecting explosives

DOEpatents

Moore, David Steven [Santa Fe, NM

2011-05-10

A method and apparatus is provided for detecting explosives by thermal imaging. The explosive material is subjected to a high energy wave which can be either a sound wave or an electromagnetic wave which will initiate a chemical reaction in the explosive material which chemical reaction will produce heat. The heat is then sensed by a thermal imaging device which will provide a signal to a computing device which will alert a user of the apparatus to the possibility of an explosive device being present.

Performance comparison of single and dual-excitation-wavelength resonance-Raman explosives detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yellampalle, Balakishore; Martin, Robert; Witt, Kenneth; McCormick, William; Wu, Hai-Shan; Sluch, Mikhail; Ice, Robert; Lemoff, Brian

2017-05-01

Deep-ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy is a very useful approach for standoff detection of explosive traces. Using two simultaneous excitation wavelengths improves the specificity and sensitivity to standoff explosive detection. The High Technology Foundation developed a highly compact prototype of resonance Raman explosives detector. In this work, we discuss the relative performance of a dual-excitation sensor compared to a single-excitation sensor. We present trade space analysis comparing three representative Raman systems with similar size, weight, and power. The analysis takes into account, cost, spectral resolution, detection/identification time and the overall system benefit.

On the Violence of High Explosive Reactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarver, C M; Chidester, S K

High explosive reactions can be caused by three general energy deposition processes: impact ignition by frictional and/or shear heating; bulk thermal heating; and shock compression. The violence of the subsequent reaction varies from benign slow combustion to catastrophic detonation of the entire charge. The degree of violence depends on many variables, including the rate of energy delivery, the physical and chemical properties of the explosive, and the strength of the confinement surrounding the explosive charge. The current state of experimental and computer modeling research on the violence of impact, thermal, and shock-induced reactions is reviewed.

Explosive detection technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doremus, Steven; Crownover, Robin

2017-05-01

The continuing proliferation of improvised explosive devices is an omnipresent threat to civilians and members of military and law enforcement around the world. The ability to accurately and quickly detect explosive materials from a distance would be an extremely valuable tool for mitigating the risk posed by these devices. A variety of techniques exist that are capable of accurately identifying explosive compounds, but an effective standoff technique is still yet to be realized. Most of the methods being investigated to fill this gap in capabilities are laser based. Raman spectroscopy is one such technique that has been demonstrated to be effective at a distance. Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) is a technique capable of identifying chemical compounds inside of containers, which could be used to detect hidden explosive devices. Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) utilized a coherent pair of lasers to excite a sample, greatly increasing the response of sample while decreasing the strength of the lasers being used, which significantly improves the eye safety issue that typically hinders laser-based detection methods. Time-gating techniques are also being developed to improve the data collection from Raman techniques, which are often hindered fluorescence of the test sample in addition to atmospheric, substrate, and contaminant responses. Ultraviolet based techniques have also shown significant promise by greatly improved signal strength from excitation of resonance in many explosive compounds. Raman spectroscopy, which identifies compounds based on their molecular response, can be coupled with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) capable of characterizing the sample's atomic composition using a single laser.

Simulation of detonation of ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixture confined by aluminum: edge angles for DSD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Short, Mark; Quirk, James J; Kiyanda, Charles B

2010-01-01

Non-ideal high explosives are typically porous, low-density materials with a low detonation velocity (3--5 km/s) and long detonation reaction zone ({approx} cms). As a result, the interaction of a non-ideal high explosive with an inert confiner can be markedly different than for a conventional high explosive. Issues arise, for example, with light stiff confiners where the confiner can drive the high explosive (HE) through a Prandtl-Meyer fan at the HE/confiner interface rather than the HE driving the confiner. For a non-ideal high explosive confined by a high sound speed inert such that the detonation velocity is lower than the inertmore » sound speed, the flow is subsonic and thus shockless in the confiner. In such cases, the standard detonation shock dynamics methodology, which requires a positive edge-angle be specified at the HE/confiner interface in order that the detonation shape be divergent, cannot be directly utilized. In order to study how detonation shock dynamics can be utilized in such cases, numerical simulations of the detonation of ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) confined by aluminum 6061 are conducted.« less

History of Chandra X-Ray Observatory

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-07-31

This is a photo taken by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory that reveals the remains of an explosion in the form of two enormous arcs of multimillion-degree gas in the galaxy Centaurus A that appear to be part of a ring 25,000 light years in diameter. The size and location of the ring suggest that it could have been an explosion that occurred about 10 million years ago. A composite image made with radio (red and green), optical (yellow-orange), and X-ray data (blue) presents a sturning tableau of a turbulent galaxy. A broad band of dust and cold gas is bisected at an angle by opposing jets of high-energy particles blasting away from the supermassive black hole in the nucleus. Lying in a plane perpendicular to the jets are the two large arcs of x-ray emitting multi-million degree gas. This discovery can help astronomers better understand the cause and effect of violent outbursts from the vicinity of supermassive black holes of active galaxies. The Chandra program is managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy for explosives detection through difficult (opaque) containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maskall, Guy T.; Bonthron, Stuart; Crawford, David

2013-10-01

With the continuing threat to aviation security from homemade explosive devices, the restrictions on taking a volume of liquid greater than 100 ml onto an aircraft remain in place. From January 2014, these restrictions will gradually be reduced via a phased implementation of technological screening of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs). Raman spectroscopy offers a highly sensitive, and specific, technique for the detection and identification of chemicals. Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS), in particular, offers significant advantages over conventional Raman spectroscopy for detecting and recognizing contents within optically challenging (Raman active) containers. Containers vary enormously in their composition; glass type, plastic type, thickness, reflectance, and pigmentation are all variable and cause an infinite range of absorbances, fluorescence backgrounds, Rayleigh backscattered laser light, and container Raman bands. In this paper we show that the data processing chain for Cobalt Light Systems' INSIGHT100 bottlescanner is robust to such variability. We discuss issues of model selection for the detection stage and demonstrate an overall detection rate across a wide range of threats and containers of 97% with an associated false alarm rate of 0.1% or lower.

Theory, Solution Methods, and Implementation of the HERMES Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reaugh, John E.; White, Bradley W.; Curtis, John P.

The HERMES (high explosive response to mechanical stimulus) model was developed over the past decade to enable computer simulation of the mechanical and subsequent energetic response of explosives and propellants to mechanical insults such as impacts, perforations, drops, and falls. The model is embedded in computer simulation programs that solve the non-linear, large deformation equations of compressible solid and fluid flow in space and time. It is implemented as a user-defined model, which returns the updated stress tensor and composition that result from the simulation supplied strain tensor change. Although it is multi-phase, in that gas and solid species aremore » present, it is single-velocity, in that the gas does not flow through the porous solid. More than 70 time-dependent variables are made available for additional analyses and plotting. The model encompasses a broad range of possible responses: mechanical damage with no energetic response, and a continuous spectrum of degrees of violence including delayed and prompt detonation. This paper describes the basic workings of the model.« less

Optimization of uncatalyzed steam explosion pretreatment of rapeseed straw for biofuel production.

PubMed

López-Linares, Juan C; Ballesteros, Ignacio; Tourán, Josefina; Cara, Cristóbal; Castro, Eulogio; Ballesteros, Mercedes; Romero, Inmaculada

2015-08-01

Rapeseed straw constitutes an agricultural residue with great potential as feedstock for ethanol production. In this work, uncatalyzed steam explosion was carried out as a pretreatment to increase the enzymatic digestibility of rapeseed straw. Experimental statistical design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the influence of the temperature (185-215°C) and the process time (2.5-7.5min). According to the rotatable central composite design applied, 215°C and 7.5min were confirmed to be the optimal conditions, considering the maximization of enzymatic hydrolysis yield as optimization criterion. These conditions led to a maximum yield of 72.3%, equivalent to 81% of potential glucose in pretreated solid. Different configurations for bioethanol production from steam exploded rapeseed straw were investigated using the pretreated solid obtained under optimal conditions as a substrate. As a relevant result, concentrations of ethanol as high as 43.6g/L (5.5% by volume) were obtained as a consequence of using 20% (w/v) solid loading, equivalent to 12.4g ethanol/100g biomass. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Seeing biomass recalcitrance through fluorescence.

PubMed

Auxenfans, Thomas; Terryn, Christine; Paës, Gabriel

2017-08-18

Lignocellulosic biomass is the only renewable carbon resource available in sufficient amount on Earth to go beyond the fossil-based carbon economy. Its transformation requires controlled breakdown of polymers into a set of molecules to make fuels, chemicals and materials. But biomass is a network of various inter-connected polymers which are very difficult to deconstruct optimally. In particular, saccharification potential of lignocellulosic biomass depends on several complex chemical and physical factors. For the first time, an easily measurable fluorescence properties of steam-exploded biomass samples from miscanthus, poplar and wheat straw was shown to be directly correlated to their saccharification potential. Fluorescence can thus be advantageously used as a predictive method of biomass saccharification. The loss in fluorescence occurring after the steam explosion pretreatment and increasing with pretreatment severity does not originate from the loss in lignin content, but rather from a decrease of the lignin β-aryl-ether linkage content. Fluorescence lifetime analysis demonstrates that monolignols making lignin become highly conjugated after steam explosion pretreatment. These results reveal that lignin chemical composition is a more important feature to consider than its content to understand and to predict biomass saccharification.

Effects of control parameters of three-point initiation on the formation of an explosively formed projectile with fins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, R.; Li, W. B.; Wang, X. M.; Li, W. B.

2018-03-01

The effects of the initiation diameter and synchronicity error on the formation of fins and stable-flight velocity of an explosively formed projectile (EFP) with three-point initiation are investigated. The pressure and area of the Mach wave acting on the metal liner at different initiation diameters are calculated employing the Whitham method. LS-DYNA software is used to investigate the asymmetric collision of detonation waves resulting from three-point initiation synchronicity error, the distortion characteristics of the liner resulting from the composite detonation waves, and the performance parameters of the EFP with fins. Results indicate that deviations of the Y-shaped high-pressure zone and central ultrahigh-pressure zone from the liner center can be attributed to the error of three-point initiation, which leads to the irregular formation of EFP fins. It is noted that the area of the Mach wave decreases, but the pressure of the Mach wave and the final speed and length-to-diameter ( L/ D) ratio of the EFP increase, benefiting the formation of the EFP fins, as the initiation diameter increases.

Multibody local approximation: Application to conformational entropy calculations on biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suárez, Ernesto; Suárez, Dimas

2012-08-01

Multibody type expansions like mutual information expansions are widely used for computing or analyzing properties of large composite systems. The power of such expansions stems from their generality. Their weaknesses, however, are the large computational cost of including high order terms due to the combinatorial explosion and the fact that truncation errors do not decrease strictly with the expansion order. Herein, we take advantage of the redundancy of multibody expansions in order to derive an efficient reformulation that captures implicitly all-order correlation effects within a given cutoff, avoiding the combinatory explosion. This approach, which is cutoff dependent rather than order dependent, keeps the generality of the original expansions and simultaneously mitigates their limitations provided that a reasonable cutoff can be used. An application of particular interest can be the computation of the conformational entropy of flexible peptide molecules from molecular dynamics trajectories. By combining the multibody local estimations of conformational entropy with average values of the rigid-rotor and harmonic-oscillator entropic contributions, we obtain by far a tighter upper bound of the absolute entropy than the one obtained by the broadly used quasi-harmonic method.

Multibody local approximation: application to conformational entropy calculations on biomolecules.

PubMed

Suárez, Ernesto; Suárez, Dimas

2012-08-28

Multibody type expansions like mutual information expansions are widely used for computing or analyzing properties of large composite systems. The power of such expansions stems from their generality. Their weaknesses, however, are the large computational cost of including high order terms due to the combinatorial explosion and the fact that truncation errors do not decrease strictly with the expansion order. Herein, we take advantage of the redundancy of multibody expansions in order to derive an efficient reformulation that captures implicitly all-order correlation effects within a given cutoff, avoiding the combinatory explosion. This approach, which is cutoff dependent rather than order dependent, keeps the generality of the original expansions and simultaneously mitigates their limitations provided that a reasonable cutoff can be used. An application of particular interest can be the computation of the conformational entropy of flexible peptide molecules from molecular dynamics trajectories. By combining the multibody local estimations of conformational entropy with average values of the rigid-rotor and harmonic-oscillator entropic contributions, we obtain by far a tighter upper bound of the absolute entropy than the one obtained by the broadly used quasi-harmonic method.

Initiation Capacity of a Specially Shaped Booster Pellet and Numerical Simulation of Its Initiation Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Li-Shuang; Hu, Shuang-Qi; Cao, Xiong; Zhang, Jian-Ren

2014-01-01

The insensitive main charge explosive is creating new requirements for the booster pellet of detonation trains. The traditional cylindrical booster pellet has insufficient energy output to reliably initiate the insensitive main charge explosive. In this research, a concave spherical booster pellet was designed. The initiation capacity of the concave spherical booster pellet was studied using varied composition and axial steel dent methods. The initiation process of the concave spherical booster pellet was also simulated by ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The results showed that using a concave spherical booster allows a 42% reduction in the amount of explosive needed to match the initiation capacity of a conventional cylindrical booster of the same dimensions. With the other parameters kept constant, the initiation capacity of the concave spherical booster pellet increases with decreased cone angle and concave radius. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Ultrasonic approach to the synthesis of HMX@TATB core-shell microparticles with improved mechanical sensitivity.

PubMed

Huang, Bing; Hao, Xiaofei; Zhang, Haobin; Yang, Zhijian; Ma, Zhigang; Li, Hongzhen; Nie, Fude; Huang, Hui

2014-07-01

To improve the safety of sensitive explosive HMX while maintaining explosion performance, a moderately powerful but insensitive explosive TATB was used to coat HMX microparticles via a facile ultrasonic method. By using Estane as surface modifier and nano-sized TATB as the shell layer, the HMX@TATB core-shell microparticles with a monodisperse size and compact shell structure were successfully constructed. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the formation of perfect core-shell structured composites. Based on a systematic and comparative study of the effect of experimental conditions, a possible formation mechanism of core-shell structure was proposed in detail. Moreover, the perfect core-shell HMX@TATB microparticles exhibited a unique thermal behavior and significantly improved mechanical sensitivity compared with that of the physical mixture. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Printable sensors for explosive detonation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffith, Matthew J.; Cooling, Nathan A.; Elkington, Daniel C.; Muller, Elmar; Belcher, Warwick J.; Dastoor, Paul C.

2014-10-01

Here, we report the development of an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) based on printable solution processed polymers and employing a quantum tunnelling composite material as a sensor to convert the pressure wave output from detonation transmission tubing (shock tube) into an inherently amplified electronic signal for explosives initiation. The organic electronic detector allows detection of the signal in a low voltage operating range, an essential feature for sites employing live ordinances that is not provided by conventional electronic devices. We show that a 30-fold change in detector response is possible using the presented detector assembly. Degradation of the OTFT response with both time and repeated voltage scans was characterised, and device lifetime is shown to be consistent with the requirements for on-site printing and usage. The integration of a low cost organic electronic detector with inexpensive shock tube transmission fuse presents attractive avenues for the development of cheap and simple assemblies for precisely timed initiation of explosive chains.

Corn stover for biogas production: Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on the gas yields and on the biodegradation kinetics of the primary structural compounds.

PubMed

Lizasoain, Javier; Trulea, Adrian; Gittinger, Johannes; Kral, Iris; Piringer, Gerhard; Schedl, Andreas; Nilsen, Paal J; Potthast, Antje; Gronauer, Andreas; Bauer, Alexander

2017-11-01

This study evaluated the effect of steam explosion on the chemical composition and biomethane potential of corn stover using temperatures ranging between 140 and 220°C and pretreatment times ranging between 2 and 15min. Biodegradation kinetics during the anaerobic digestion of untreated and corn stover, pretreated at two different intensities, 140°C for 5min and 180°C for 5min, were studied in tandem. Results showed that pretreatment at 160°C for 2min improved the methane yield by 22%. Harsher pretreatment conditions led to lower hemicellulose contents and methane yields, as well as higher lignin contents, which may be due to the formation of pseudo-lignin. The biodegradation kinetics trial demonstrated that steam explosion enhances the degradation of structural carbohydrates and acid insoluble lignin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymer system for gettering hydrogen

DOEpatents

Shepodd, Timothy Jon; Whinnery, LeRoy L.

2000-01-01

A novel composition comprising organic polymer molecules having carbon-carbon double bonds, for removing hydrogen from the atmosphere within enclosed spaces. Organic polymers molecules containing carbon-carbon double bonds throughout their structures, preferably polybutadiene, polyisoprene and derivatives thereof, intimately mixed with an insoluble catalyst composition, comprising a hydrogenation catalyst and a catalyst support, preferably Pd supported on carbon, provide a hydrogen getter composition useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces even in the presence of contaminants such as common atmospheric gases, water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia, oil mists, and water. The hydrogen getter composition disclosed herein is particularly useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces containing potentially explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen.

Polymer formulations for gettering hydrogen

DOEpatents

Shepodd, Timothy Jon; Whinnery, LeRoy L.

1998-11-17

A novel composition comprising organic polymer molecules having carbon-carbon double bonds, for removing hydrogen from the atmosphere within enclosed spaces. Organic polymers molecules containing carbon-carbon double bonds throughout their structures, preferably polybutadiene, polyisoprene and derivatives thereof, intimately mixed with an insoluble catalyst composition, comprising a hydrogenation catalyst and a catalyst support, preferably Pd supported on carbon, provide a hydrogen getter composition useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces even in the presence of contaminants such as common atmospheric gases, water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia, oil mists, and water. The hydrogen getter composition disclosed herein is particularly useful for removing hydrogen from enclosed spaces containing potentially explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen.

Fiber release from impacted graphite reinforced epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Babinsky, T. C.

1980-01-01

Carbon fibers released from composites by aircraft fires and crashes can cause electrical shorts and consequent equipment damage. This report investigates less vigorous release mechanisms than that previously simulated by explosive burn/blast tests. When AS/3501-6 composites are impacted by various head and weight configurations of a pendulum impactor, less than 0.2 percent by weight of the original sample is released as single fibers. Other fiber release mechanisms studied were air blasts, constant airflow, torsion, flexural, and vibration of composite samples. The full significance of the low single fiber release rates found here is to be evaluated by NASA in their aircraft vulnerability studies.

Time-sequenced X-ray Observation of a Thermal Explosion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tringe, J W; Molitoris, J D; Smilowitz, L

The evolution of a thermally-initiated explosion is studied using a multiple-image x-ray system. HMX-based PBX 9501 is used in this work, enabling direct comparison to recently-published data obtained with proton radiography [1]. Multiple x-ray images of the explosion are obtained with image spacing of ten microseconds or more. The explosion is simultaneously characterized with a high-speed camera using an interframe spacing of 11 {micro}s. X-ray and camera images were both initiated passively by signals from an embedded thermocouple array, as opposed to being actively triggered by a laser pulse or other external source. X-ray images show an accelerating reacting frontmore » within the explosive, and also show unreacted explosive at the time the containment vessel bursts. High-speed camera images show debris ejected from the vessel expanding at 800-2100 m/s in the first tens of {micro}s after the container wall failure. The effective center of the initiation volume is about 6 mm from the geometric center of the explosive.« less

The Detection Rate of Early UV Emission from Supernovae: A Dedicated Galex/PTF Survey and Calibrated Theoretical Estimates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganot, Noam; Gal-Yam, Avishay; Ofek, Eran. O.; Sagiv, Ilan; Waxman, Eli; Lapid, Ofer; Kulkarni, Shrinivas R.; Ben-Ami, Sagi; Kasliwal, Mansi M.; The ULTRASAT Science Team; Chelouche, Doron; Rafter, Stephen; Behar, Ehud; Laor, Ari; Poznanski, Dovi; Nakar, Ehud; Maoz, Dan; Trakhtenbrot, Benny; WTTH Consortium, The; Neill, James D.; Barlow, Thomas A.; Martin, Christofer D.; Gezari, Suvi; the GALEX Science Team; Arcavi, Iair; Bloom, Joshua S.; Nugent, Peter E.; Sullivan, Mark; Palomar Transient Factory, The

2016-03-01

The radius and surface composition of an exploding massive star, as well as the explosion energy per unit mass, can be measured using early UV observations of core-collapse supernovae (SNe). We present the first results from a simultaneous GALEX/PTF search for early ultraviolet (UV) emission from SNe. Six SNe II and one Type II superluminous SN (SLSN-II) are clearly detected in the GALEX near-UV (NUV) data. We compare our detection rate with theoretical estimates based on early, shock-cooling UV light curves calculated from models that fit existing Swift and GALEX observations well, combined with volumetric SN rates. We find that our observations are in good agreement with calculated rates assuming that red supergiants (RSGs) explode with fiducial radii of 500 R ⊙, explosion energies of 1051 erg, and ejecta masses of 10 M ⊙. Exploding blue supergiants and Wolf-Rayet stars are poorly constrained. We describe how such observations can be used to derive the progenitor radius, surface composition, and explosion energy per unit mass of such SN events, and we demonstrate why UV observations are critical for such measurements. We use the fiducial RSG parameters to estimate the detection rate of SNe during the shock-cooling phase (<1 day after explosion) for several ground-based surveys (PTF, ZTF, and LSST). We show that the proposed wide-field UV explorer ULTRASAT mission is expected to find >85 SNe per year (˜0.5 SN per deg2), independent of host galaxy extinction, down to an NUV detection limit of 21.5 mag AB. Our pilot GALEX/PTF project thus convincingly demonstrates that a dedicated, systematic SN survey at the NUV band is a compelling method to study how massive stars end their life.

Gas composition of Popocatépetl Volcano between 2007 and 2008: FTIR spectroscopic measurements of an explosive event and during quiescent degassing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stremme, W.; Ortega, I.; Siebe, C.; Grutter, M.

2011-01-01

On December 1, 2007, the solar absorption infrared spectra of the Popocatépetl volcanic plume was recorded during an eruptive event and complementarily on November 17, 2008, the passive quiescent degassing was measured from the same site. A portable FTIR spectrometer with a scanning mirror for fast tracking of the sun provided the flexibility, quality, and simplicity needed for field deployment. Slant columns of the gases SO 2, HCl, HF, and SiF 4 were retrieved and strong differences could be observed when comparing gas ratios in both time periods. During the explosive eruption, the SO 2/HCl ratio was three times greater and the HF/HCl ratio was slightly smaller than during passive degassing. While the ratios among SO 2, HCl, HF, and SiF 4 describe the chemical composition of the volcanic gas mixture, the SiF 4/HF ratio provides information about the equilibrium temperatures of the stored gases which in this study were calculated at 150° and 185 °C for the explosive and quiescent degassing episodes, respectively. We conclude that cooling of lava domes in the crater precedes Vulcanian explosions as suggested by Schaaf et al (2005). Based on SO 2 flux (Grutter et al., 2008) and measurements and data from the November 2008 event, the average fluxes for HCl, HF, SiF 4, and F through quiescent degassing are estimated to be 204, 22.7, 9.8, and 31.7 tons/day, respectively. These values are similar to those reported by Love et al. (1998) more than 10 yrs ago.

Effects of Heat Treatment on Interface Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Explosively Welded Ck60/St37 Plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdani, Majid; Toroghinejad, Mohammad Reza; Hashemi, Seyyed Mohammad

2016-12-01

This study explores the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of explosively welded Ck60 steel/St37 steel. The objective is to find an economical way for manufacturing bimetallic plates that can be used in the rolling stand of hot rolling mill units. The explosive ratio and stand-off distance are set at 1.7 and 1.5 t ( t = flyer thickness), respectively. Since explosive welding is accompanied by such undesirable metallurgical effects as remarkable hardening, severe plastic deformation, and even formation of local melted zones near the interface, heat treatment is required to overcome or alleviate these adverse effects. For this purpose, the composites are subjected to heat treatment in a temperature range of 600-700 °C at a rate of 90 °C/h for 1 h. Results demonstrate well-bonded composite plates with a wavy interface. In the as-welded case, vortex zones are formed along the interface; however, they are transformed into fine grains upon heat treatment. Microhardness is also observed to be maximum near the interface in the welded case before it decreases with increasing temperature. Shear strength is the highest in the as-welded specimen, which later decreases as a result of heat treatment. Moreover, the energy absorbed by the heat-treated specimens is observed to increase with increasing temperature so that the lowest value of absorbed energy belongs to the as-welded specimen. Finally, fractography is carried out using the scanning electron microscope to examine the specimens subjected to shear and impact tests. As a result of heat treatment, fracture surfaces exhibit dimpled ruptures and fail in the mixed mode, while failure in the as-welded specimens predominantly occurs in the brittle mode.

On the smell of Composition C-4.

PubMed

Kranz, William; Kitts, Kelley; Strange, Nicholas; Cummins, Joshua; Lotspeich, Erica; Goodpaster, John

2014-03-01

In efforts to locate hidden explosives, humans have had few allies as valuable as the explosives-detecting canine. The unrivaled sensitivity and selectivity of the canine nose have combined to make these animals an attractive choice for law enforcement, military, and private security applications. Although the efficacy of trained detector dogs is well-established, the question of which chemical compounds are responsible for causing a dog to recognize a particular odor and alert to it remains a subject of debate for several explosive formulations--including, perhaps most notably, Composition C-4. Previous studies have indicated that cyclohexanone, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol are the chemicals that may cause canines to alert to C-4. This has led to the suggestion that these substances could be used as a substitute for genuine C-4 in the training, testing, and maintenance of explosives-detecting canines. In this paper, we present an alternative view. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with solid phase microextraction as a pre-concentration technique, we have discovered that 2-ethyl-1-hexanol off-gasses not only from C-4, but also from benign sources, such as the common plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate; as well as several plasticized items common to our everyday world, including PVC tile, PVC pipe, electrical tape, and credit cards. This observation may potentially discourage the use of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol for training purposes. We also present the results of our own canine field trials focused on the detection of C-4. Through the use of contingency tables and statistical testing, we demonstrate the failure of trained law enforcement dogs in our study to respond in any significant way to these potential odor compounds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of an Exploding Foil Initiator (EFI) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, H. R.; Chapman, D. J.; Vine, T. A.; Proud, W. G.

2009-06-01

Exploding Foil Initiators (EFIs) provide a safe and reliable means of detonation of explosives. They are highly insensitive to mechanical shock and electrical interference, requiring a specific high current pulse for initiation. The use of only insensitive secondary explosives and not more sensitive primary explosives further improves safety. When a high current is passed through the metal bridge, a plasma is formed as the metal can not expand beyond the polymer film layer above. This causes the film to expand forming a bubble or shearing off to form a flyer. These flyers can then be used to initiate secondary explosives. Due to the very high speed at which these systems operate, high speed streak photography was used to characterise the behaviour of the polymer film flyers produced. This paper will report the preliminary findings on the mechanical, electrical and velocity changes seen in some proprietary systems.

Widespread Weathered Glass on the Surface of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horgan, Briony; Bell, James F., III

2012-01-01

Low albedo sediments cover >10(exp 7) sq km in the northern lowlands of Mars, but the composition and origin of these widespread deposits have remained ambiguous despite many previous investigations. Here we use near-infrared spectra acquired by the Mars Express OMEGA (Observatoire pour la Mineralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activite') imaging spectrometer to show that these sediments exhibit spectral characteristics that are consistent with both high abundances of iron-bearing glass and silica-enriched leached rinds on glass. This interpretation is supported by observations of low-albedo soil grains with possible rinds at the Phoenix Mars Lander landing site in the northern lowlands. By comparison with the extensive glass-rich dune fields and sand sheets of Iceland, we propose an explosive volcanic origin for these glass-rich sediments. We also propose that the glassy remnant rinds on the sediments are the result of post-depositional alteration, as these rinds are commonly formed in arid terrestrial volcanic environments during water-limited, moderately acidic leaching. These weathered, glass-rich deposits in the northern lowlands are also colocated with the strongest concentrations of a major global compositional surface type previously identified in mid-infrared spectra, suggesting that they may be representative of global processes. Our results provide potential confirmation of models suggesting that explosive volcanism has been widespread on Mars, and also raise the possibilities that glass-rich volcaniclastics are a major source of eolian sand on Mars and that widespread surficial aqueous alteration has occurred under Amazonian climatic conditions.

High-speed multi-frame laser Schlieren for visualization of explosive events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, S. A.; Murphy, M. J.; Landon, C. D.; Mason, T. A.; Adrian, R. J.; Akinci, A. A.; Martinez, M. E.; Thomas, K. A.

2007-09-01

High-Speed Multi-Frame Laser Schlieren is used for visualization of a range of explosive and non-explosive events. Schlieren is a well-known technique for visualizing shock phenomena in transparent media. Laser backlighting and a framing camera allow for Schlieren images with very short (down to 5 ns) exposure times, band pass filtering to block out explosive self-light, and 14 frames of a single explosive event. This diagnostic has been applied to several explosive initiation events, such as exploding bridgewires (EBW), Exploding Foil Initiators (EFI) (or slappers), Direct Optical Initiation (DOI), and ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD). Additionally, a series of tests have been performed on "cut-back" detonators with varying initial pressing (IP) heights. We have also used this Diagnostic to visualize a range of EBW, EFI, and DOI full-up detonators. The setup has also been used to visualize a range of other explosive events, such as explosively driven metal shock experiments and explosively driven microjets. Future applications to other explosive events such as boosters and IHE booster evaluation will be discussed. Finite element codes (EPIC, CTH) have been used to analyze the schlieren images to determine likely boundary or initial conditions to determine the temporal-spatial pressure profile across the output face of the detonator. These experiments are part of a phased plan to understand the evolution of detonation in a detonator from initiation shock through run to detonation to full detonation to transition to booster and booster detonation.

The 1908 Tunguska explosion - Atmospheric disruption of a stony asteroid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chyba, Christofer F.; Thomas, Paul J.; Zahnle, Kevin J.

1993-01-01

The explosion over Tunguska, Central Siberia, in 1908 released 10 to 20 megatons (high explosive equivalent) of energy at an altitude of about 10 km. This event represents a typical fate for stony asteroids tens of meters in radius entering the Earth's atmosphere at common hypersonic velocities. Comets and carbonaceous asteroids of the appropriate energy disrupt too high, whereas typical iron objects reach and crater the terrestrial surface.

Safety issues of high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide production used as rocket propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romantsova, O. V.; Ulybin, V. B.

2015-04-01

The article dwells on the possibility of production of high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide with the Russian technology of isopropyl alcohol autoxidation. Analysis of fire/explosion hazards and reasons of insufficient quality is conducted for the technology. Modified technology is shown. Non-standard fire/explosion characteristics required for integrated fire/explosion hazards rating for modified hydrogen peroxide production based on the autoxidation of isopropyl alcohol are defined.

Invited Article: Quantitative imaging of explosions with high-speed cameras

DOE PAGES

McNesby, Kevin L.; Homan, Barrie E.; Benjamin, Richard A.; ...

2016-05-31

Here, the techniques presented in this paper allow for mapping of temperature, pressure, chemical species, and energy deposition during and following detonations of explosives, using high speed cameras as the main diagnostic tool. Additionally, this work provides measurement in the explosive near to far-field (0-500 charge diameters) of surface temperatures, peak air-shock pressures, some chemical species signatures, shock energy deposition, and air shock formation.

Beam Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

wavelengths. A direct application of such a laser is isotope separation. 2. For a brief status report of the Laboratory’s high- explosive flash...operation in the fall of 1982. in a 50-MeV Advanced Test Accelerator Facility (the ATA)1 that we are con- structing at our high- explosives test loca...chemical explosives in target-damage studies. Potential hazards associated with the ATA experiments were considered in choosing our site. LLNL’s

Highly sensitive screening method for nitroaromatic, nitramine and nitrate ester explosives by high performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-API-MS) in forensic applications.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaoma; van de Craats, Anick M; de Bruyn, Peter C A M

2004-11-01

A highly sensitive screening method based on high performance liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-API-MS) has been developed for the analysis of 21 nitroaromatic, nitramine and nitrate ester explosives, which include the explosives most commonly encountered in forensic science. Two atmospheric pressure ionization (API) methods, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), and various experimental conditions have been applied to allow for the detection of all 21 explosive compounds. The limit of detection (LOD) in the full-scan mode has been found to be 0.012-1.2 ng on column for the screening of most explosives investigated. For nitrobenzene, an LOD of 10 ng was found with the APCI method in the negative mode. Although the detection of nitrobenzene, 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrotoluene is hindered by the difficult ionization of these compounds, we have found that by forming an adduct with glycine, LOD values in the range of 3-16 ng on column can be achieved. Compared with previous screening methods with thermospray ionization, the API method has distinct advantages, including simplicity and stability of the method applied, an extended screening range and a low detection limit for the explosives studied.

Infrared Spectroscopy of Explosives Residues: Measurement Techniques and Spectral Analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Phillips, Mark C.; Bernacki, Bruce E.

2015-03-11

Infrared laser spectroscopy of explosives is a promising technique for standoff and non-contact detection applications. However, the interpretation of spectra obtained in typical standoff measurement configurations presents numerous challenges. Understanding the variability in observed spectra from explosives residues and particles is crucial for design and implementation of detection algorithms with high detection confidence and low false alarm probability. We discuss a series of infrared spectroscopic techniques applied toward measuring and interpreting the reflectance spectra obtained from explosives particles and residues. These techniques utilize the high spectral radiance, broad tuning range, rapid wavelength tuning, high scan reproducibility, and low noise ofmore » an external cavity quantum cascade laser (ECQCL) system developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The ECQCL source permits measurements in configurations which would be either impractical or overly time-consuming with broadband, incoherent infrared sources, and enables a combination of rapid measurement speed and high detection sensitivity. The spectroscopic methods employed include standoff hyperspectral reflectance imaging, quantitative measurements of diffuse reflectance spectra, reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, microscopic imaging and spectroscopy, and nano-scale imaging and spectroscopy. Measurements of explosives particles and residues reveal important factors affecting observed reflectance spectra, including measurement geometry, substrate on which the explosives are deposited, and morphological effects such as particle shape, size, orientation, and crystal structure.« less

Simulating intracrater ash recycling during mid-intensity explosive activity: high temperature laboratory experiments on natural basaltic ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Oriano, Claudia; Pompilio, Massimo; Bertagnini, Antonella; Cioni, Raffaello; Pichavant, Michel

2010-05-01

Direct observations of mid-intensity eruptions, in which a huge amount of ash is generated, indicate that ash recycling is quite common. The recognition of juvenile vs. recycled fragments is not straightforward, and no unequivocal, widely accepted criteria exist to support this. The presence of recycled glassy fragments can hide primary magmatic information, introducing bias in the interpretations of the ongoing magmatic and volcanic activity. High temperature experiments were performed at atmospheric pressure on natural samples to investigate the effects of reheating on morphology, texture and composition of volcanic ash. Experiments simulate the transformation of juvenile glassy fragments that, falling into the crater or in the upper part of the conduit, are recycled by following explosions. Textural and compositional modifications obtained in laboratory are compared with similar features observed in natural samples in order to identify some main general criteria to be used for the discrimination of recycled material. Experiments were carried out on tephra produced during Strombolian activity, fire fountains and continuous ash emission at Etna, Stromboli and Vesuvius. Coarse glassy clasts were crushed in a nylon mortar in order to create an artificial ash, and then sieved to select the size interval of 1-0.71 mm. Ash shards were put in a sealed or open quartz tube, in order to prevent or to reproduce effects of air oxidation. The tube was suspended in a HT furnace at INGV-Pisa and kept at different temperatures (up to to 1110°C) for increasing time (0.5-12 hours). Preliminary experiments were also performed under gas flux conditions. Optical and electron microscope observations indicate that high temperature and exposure to the air induce large modifications on clast surface, ranging from change in color, to incipient plastic deformation till complete sintering. Significant change in color of clasts is strictly related to the presence of air, irrespective of temperature while sintering is favored by the high temperature and low fO2. Re-heating promotes nucleation and growth of crystals in the groundmass and associated change of glass composition, sometimes accompanied by growth and coalescence of vesicles in the size of 10-50 µm and cracking of the external surface.

Completely explosive ultracompact high-voltage nanosecond pulse-generating system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shkuratov, Sergey I.; Talantsev, Evgueni F.; Baird, Jason; Rose, Millard F.; Shotts, Zachary; Altgilbers, Larry L.; Stults, Allen H.

2006-04-01

A conventional pulsed power technology has been combined with an explosive pulsed power technology to produce an autonomous high-voltage power supply. The power supply contained an explosive-driven high-voltage primary power source and a power-conditioning stage. The ultracompact explosive-driven primary power source was based on the physical effect of shock-wave depolarization of high-energy Pb (Zr52Ti48)O3 ferroelectric material. The volume of the energy-carrying ferroelectric elements in the shock-wave ferroelectric generators (SWFEGs) varied from 1.2 to 2.6cm3. The power-conditioning stage was based on the spiral vector inversion generator (VIG). The SWFEG-VIG system demonstrated successful operation and good performance. The amplitude of the output voltage pulse of the SWFEG-VIG system exceeded 90kV, with a rise time of 5.2ns.

In-Situ Silver Acetylide Silver Nitrate Explosive Deposition Measurements Using X-Ray Fluorescence.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Covert, Timothy Todd

2014-09-01

The Light Initiated High Explosive facility utilized a spray deposited coating of silver acetylide - silver nitrate explosive to impart a mechanical shock into targets of interest. A diagnostic was required to measure the explosive deposition in - situ. An X - ray fluorescence spectrometer was deployed at the facility. A measurement methodology was developed to measure the explosive quantity with sufficient accuracy. Through the use of a tin reference material under the silver based explosive, a field calibration relationship has been developed with a standard deviation of 3.2 % . The effect of the inserted tin material into themore » experiment configuration has been explored.« less

Synthesis of low-size flower-like AlOOH structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bakina, Olga V., E-mail: ovbakina@ispms.tsc.ru, E-mail: eagl@ispms.tsc.ru; Glazkova, Elena A., E-mail: ovbakina@ispms.tsc.ru, E-mail: eagl@ispms.tsc.ru; Lozhkomoev, Aleksandr S., E-mail: asl@ispms.tsc.ru

Al/Cu, Al/Zn, and Al/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles have been obtained using the method of simultaneous electrical explosion of metal pairs in an argon atmosphere. The nanoparticles are chemically active and interact with water at 60°C forming flower-like hierarchical porous structures with a high specific surface area. As the Al/Cu nanopowder is oxidized with water, flower-like pseudoboehmite composite structures are formed with the size of under 1.0 μm; structurally heterogeneous electron-dense spherical inclusions of unreacted metal copper and intermetallides are identified inside them. Al/Fe product transformations are presented by the flower-like pseudoboehmite surrounded by lamellar structures enriched with ferric oxides. Al/Zn nanoparticlesmore » react with water, forming the flower-like pseudoboehmite and mainly hexagonal zinc oxide laminae. The composite particles obtained can be used as antibacterial agents in manufacturing medical supplies.« less

Results of PBX 9501 and PBX 9502 Round-Robin Quasi-Static Tension Tests from JOWOG-9/39 Focused Exchange.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thompson, D. G.

2002-01-01

A round-robin study was conducted with the participation of three laboratory facilities: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), BWXT Pantex Plant (PX), and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The study involved the machining and quasi-static tension testing of two plastic-bonded high explosive (PBX) composites, PBX 9501 and PBX 9502. Nine tensile specimens for each type of PBX were to be machined at each of the three facilities; 3 of these specimens were to be sent to each of the participating materials testing facilities for tensile testing. The resultant data was analyzed to look for trends associated with specimen machining location and/ormore » trends associated with materials testing location. The analysis provides interesting insights into the variability and statistical nature of mechanical properties testing on PBX composites. Caution is warranted when results are compared/exchanged between testing facilities.« less

Geochemistry of glass and olivine from Keanakako`i Tephra at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, M. O.; Mucek, A. E.; Swanson, D.

2011-12-01

Kilauea Volcano is well known for its frequent quiescent eruptions. However, it also has an underappreciated explosive past. Recent field work has documented many details of the Keanakako`i Tephra, which was generated during a period of explosive activity when few lava flows were erupted. The dominantly phreatomagmatic eruptions, which produced the Keanakako`i Tephra, began late in, or completely after, the formation of Kilauea Caldera (ca. 1500 CE) and continued sporadically until 1823. Thereafter, effusive eruptions outside the caldera resumed and have continued to the present.The Keanakako`i deposits provide an opportunity to examine the restoration of Kilauea's magmatic plumbing following caldera formation. Glassy products with variable amounts of olivine dominate from ca. 1500 A.D. to the late 1600 A.D., whereas lithic-rich deposits with sparse glass are common in the 1700 A.D. deposits, which include the deadly explosive activity of A.D. 1790. Glass compositions from tephra and basalt flows show remarkable MgO variations (4-11 wt percent), larger than those observed in glasses from subsequent eruptions. Some units have variable MgO indicating a zoned magma reservoir, whereas some others have variable incompatible element ratios suggesting magma mixing. The highest MgO values (>10 wt percent) are from 1500 A.D. and 1823 deposits. The range of parental magma compositions based on tephra glasses erupted over a 300 year period is comparable to those observed for the first 15 years of the Pu`u `O`o eruption and about half of the variation observed for summit eruptions from 1832 to 1982. The limited range in tephra parental magma compositions may be related to a lower magma production rate during the period the tephra was erupted.

High energy forming facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciurlionis, B.

1967-01-01

Watertight, high-explosive forming facility, 25 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep, withstands repeated explosions of 10 pounds of TNT equivalent. The shell is fabricated of high strength steel and allows various structural elements to deform or move elastically and independently while retaining structural integrity.

Explosive-driven, high speed, arcless switch

DOEpatents

Skogmo, P.J.; Tucker, T.J.

1986-05-02

An explosive-actuated, fast-acting arcless switch contains a highly conductive foil to carry high currents positioned adjacent a dielectric surface within a casing. At one side of the foil opposite the dielectric surface is an explosive which, when detonated, drives the conductive foil against the dielectric surface. A pattern of grooves in the dielectric surface ruptures the foil to establish a rupture path having a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the grooves. The impedance of the ruptured foil is greater than that of the original foil to divert high current to a load. Planar and cylindrical embodiments of the switch are disclosed.

Explosive-driven, high speed, arcless switch

DOEpatents

Skogmo, Phillip J.; Tucker, Tillman J.

1987-01-01

An explosive-actuated, fast-acting arcless switch contains a highly conductive foil to carry high currents positioned adjacent a dielectric surface within a casing. At one side of the foil opposite the dielectric surface is an explosive which, when detonated, drives the conductive foil against the dielectric surface. A pattern of grooves in the dielectric surface ruptures the foil to establish a rupture path having a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the grooves. The impedance of the ruptured foil is greater than that of the original foil to divert high current to a load. Planar and cylindrical embodiments of the switch are disclosed.

Fuse Selection for the Two-Stage Explosive Type Switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muravlev, I. O.; Surkov, M. A.; Tarasov, E. V.; Uvarov, N. F.

2017-04-01

In the two-level explosive switch destruction of a delay happens in the form of electric explosion. Criteria of similarity of electric explosion in transformer oil are defined. The challenge of protecting the power electrical equipment from short circuit currents is still urgent, especially with the growth of unit capacity. Is required to reduce the tripping time as much as possible, and limit the amplitude of the fault current, that is very important for saving of working capacity of life-support systems. This is particularly important when operating in remote stand-alone power supply systems with a high share of renewable energy, working through the inverter transducers, as well as inverter-type diesel generators. The explosive breakers copes well with these requirements. High-speed flow of transformer oil and high pressure provides formation rate of a contact gap of 20 - 100 m/s. In these conditions there is as a rapid increase in voltage on the discontinuity, and recovery of electric strength (Ures) after current interruption.