Shock Sensitivity of PBXN-109 When Containing Different RDX Fills Without and With Aging

摘要

The influence of different RDX sources on shock reaction and sensitivity was evaluated for a standard explosive in which Class 1 RDX is both the major and only detonable ingredient. Shock reaction in PBXN-109 with seven different RDX fills - Type I, Type II, and reduced sensitivity - from five producers has been studied in three different gap test arrangements. Only the larger tests indicated differences in sensitivity. Dyno Nobel RS-RDX and Royal Ordnance RDX were less sensitive to high velocity detonation (HVD), but exhibited low velocity detonation at a similar threshold as HVD for other fills. After aging for 13 months at 70 degrees C only Dyno Nobel RS-RDX persisted in its insensitivity.