Application of Crystal Lattice Disintegration Criteria to Compute Minimum Shock Induced Reactive Conditions in Solid Explosives and Inert Materials

摘要

A threshold particle velocity criteria derived by E. R. Fitzgerald (2) for the beginning of crystal lattice breakup and disintegration has been applied to shocked explosives and an inert material. In shocked explosives, reactions leading to detonation occur above a certain threshold magnitude. The computed crystal lattice breakup shock pressures compare rather well with observed experimental threshold shock pressures for six high explosives. The six explosives are: Comp-B3, Comp-B, TNT, PBX-9404, Tetryl, and H-6. In addition, the crystal lattice breakup criteria provides an explanation for the observed lowering of the detonation threshold shock pressure as the explosives are made more porous or less dense. Finally, the shock pressures, at which output from thermocouples embedded in shocked materials (PBX-9404 and Plexiglass) increases dramatically, compare favorable with predictions based on crystal lattice disintegration criteria. Consequently, it is tentatively concluded that crystal lattice breakup, or self-sustained phonon fission as Fitzgerald calls it, is responsible for the initiation of detonation in shocked explosives and enhanced thermocouple output in shocked materials. Several recommendations for future work are given. (Author).