Ignition of energetic materials by a high-current electron beam and the effect of irradiation on their thermal sensitivity

摘要

The ignition of a powdered nitrocellulose-nitroglycerin composition and its mixtures with lead oxide and zirconium in different ratios by a high-current electron beam is studied. Experimental results on assessing the influence of electron beam irradiation on the thermal sensitivity of the studied energetic materials are reported. It is shown that the key role in the ignition of the materials is played by the cathode flare generated at the cathode after the electron beam.