Paste extrudable explosives: Their history and their current status.

摘要

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has a continuing effort in the development of Paste Extrudable Explosives (PEX) for use in high performance munitions. Upon request, the paste could be injected into place just prior to warhead launch, giving enhanced safety during transport, storage, and deployment. The desire for high energy (greater than Comp B) required the development of an energetic plasticizer which would not freeze in the range of (minus)54 to +74C, and yet be compatible with the desired crystalline explosive. These materials are highly viscous and extremely pseudoplastic in nature. Extensive rheological testing has been done, using a capillary rheometer, and the behavior has been fit to power law (Ostwald-deWaele) and Buckingham-Reiner models. This report will also cover the safety testing conducted on these materials, as well as the processing techniques required for their manufacture. 9 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.