Effect of Reduced Ambient Pressure on the Hot Wire Sensitivity of Primary Explosives, Metal-Oxidant Mixtures, and Black Powder

摘要

The hot wire sensitivity of initiating materials can change under vacuum conditions. Lead azide, silver azide, black powder, and mixtures of zirconium/potassium perchlorate require slightly more energy for initiation under vacuum conditions. Basic lead styphnate and normal lead styphnate require slightly less energy for initiation under vacuum conditions. The loading density affects the energy differential. Hypotheses are proposed for the observed energy changes. (Author)