Simulation of the State of the M42/M46 Grenade during Press Loading.

摘要

This report is a contribution to an ongoing study of explosive incidents (blows) which occur during press loading of the M42/M46 grenade. One of the causal mechanisms posited for the blows is brittle fracture of the grenade body. The physical state of the grenade during final consolidation is of critical importance for this mechanism. A detailed simulation of the compression phase of final loading helps to verify the feasibility of this causal mechanics and to suggest means of minimizing a part of lthe rate of incidents. This report describes a continuous stimulation of several, related phenomena which occur during final consolidation. These phenomena include (a) Compaction of the bulk HE, (b) Production of elastic strain in the grenade body, (c) Elastic compression of RDX particles in the HE, and (d) Kinematics of the punch (e) Heating of the HE, and (f) Diffusion of heat within the grenade. A sample of simulation results is given in graphical form, with key variables displayed as functions of punch displacement and of time. Sensitivity of results to certain parameters is shown. Comparisons demonstrate the validity of the simulation within the limits imposed by its scope. For the interested analyst, the implementing computer program is listed and explained. (Author)