Slug flow of DYN composite modified double-base slurry propellant through the vacuum transfer line could have cached the August 1961 explosion at the Naval Propellant Plant. By simulating the conditions immediately prior to the incident, it was found that the mechanism in question could have caused a detonation. DYN samples exploded on impact with a solid steel plate both at atmospheric pressure and under vacuum when propelled by a differential pressure of 15 psi by the "blow-gun" type apparatus. Those reactions initiated under vacuum were stronger in their reaction than those initiated in the atmosphere.
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