Evaluation of Machining Safety: PBX 9404 and LX-10. Process Development: Endeavor No. 301

摘要

Preliminary machining safety tests for PBX 9404 and LX-10 are reported. Both normal and runaway machining conditions were investigated in an attempt to determine threshold reaction levels for the two explosives on a lathe, band saw and drill press. Five type cutting operations and slippage of the explosive on a vacuum fixture were evaluated. The presence or absence of reaction was determined via a TV monitor and NO/sub x/ detection using a chemiluminescence monitor. The evolution of NO/sub x/ was detected in a large number of the tests. NO/sub x/ evolution from PBX 9404 was detected in most cases at milder machining conditions than from LX-10. Only during drilling tests with PBX 9404 was there evidence of reactions more severe than NO/sub x/ evolution. Burning and/or higher order reactions were not observed for any test. (ERA citation 06:027627)