topercent aluminum content (ref c), and (u) the rate of detonation of cast charges was continuously...

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Approved for public release; distribution isunlimited.

Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't. agenciesand their contractors;Administrative/Operational Use; 30 SEP 1953.Other requests shall be referred to PicatinnyArsenal, Dover, NJ.

ARRADCOM ltr, 13 Feb 1980; ARRADCOM ltr, 13 Feb1980

W*£M

,J CONFIDENTIAL SECO*iTViMrO«l**TiOf*

COftRBCTlOM SHSCT

Developaent of Explosives - Metallised Explosives

Project Ho.: TA3-50O1G

PA ifeflnrandua Report Ho,: IR-AA

Report No,: 1

Date: 30 Sept 1953 *

la Tables la, lb, and Ie and in Figures 8 and 9 of PA Memorandum Report Ho. lfl-44, the rate of detonation value for TNT should read 6706 <n rbers/second instead of 7708 asters/second as reported.

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CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION

DEVELOPMENT OF EXPLOSIVES - METALLIZED EXPLOSIVES

Project No. TA3-5001C- Report No. 1

Plcatinr.y Arsenal Memorandum Report Nc. Uk

;rt by: 0 r"E.' Chemi

Repc: leTfield Chemist. (Exp)

J. E. Abel Chemist (Exp)

H. E. LaBeur Laboratory Assistant

Date: 30 Sept 195?

. ( r •

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I:

Approved

rd Corps vJ Col, Ord Corps Chief, Technical Division

-&E $h tit

i i

L CONFIDENTIAL

SCC'JRITY INFORMATION


Agency Performing Work.

Agency Authorizing Work:

Project No

Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, N. J.

0C0 - ORDTA

TA3-5001G

Project Title Dev?lopinent of Explosives - Metallized Explosives

OBJECT

To investigate the properties of explosives containing aluminum or other oxidizable matter and their effect on blast characteristics.

ABSTRACT

An investigation of some thirty metals, alloys or metallic compounds in admixtures with TNT indicated tnat tin, aagr.eslum-aluminum alloy, titanium hydride, and zirconium hydride should be of interest as additives in place of aluminum in Tritonal. Many of the relationships between performance in terms of brisance or power and readily determined or calculated thermocheraical properties, which have been shown to exist with pure explosives, were somewhat obscure when applied to TNT-metal mixtures. Measurements of actual peak pressures developed from unconfined cylindrical charges detonated in air confirm the prediction that tin appears worthy of furt'ier study. Tests of the other promising additives in admixtures with TNT should be conducted using spherical charges.

The direct substitution of magnesium-aluminum alloy for aluminum in Torpex, resulted in a castable mixture having explosive properties and power comparable to standard Torpex. Vrom the standpoint of improved stability, such a substitution was indicated to be desirable. Modified Torpex-type compositions containing up to 35 percent by weight of aluminum were castable at 95°^ A coarse, atomized aluminum powder permitted a greater amount of RDX in the mixture than the finer specification material. However, on the basis of ti?e explosive properties determined and the thermodynaalc power calculated, none ?i tb* variations of Torpex studied in which the proportions of the ingredients were changed would be superior to standard Torpex. Actual blast measurement*of their effectiveness in open-air will be made to confirm the above conclusions.



INTRODUCTION:

1. The addition of aluminum to increase the power of explosives was proposed by Escales in I899 and patented by Roth in 1900 (German Patent 172,327). Some recent studies directed towards establishment of the optimum amount of aluminum for the maximum power from TNT/A1 explosives, have shown that (l) the blast effect increased tc a maximum when the aluminum content was 30 percent (Ref A); (2) the brieance, as measured by the Sand Test, passed through a maximum at about 17 percent aluminum (Ref B); (3) in Frag- mentation Tests, no maximum was observed- additions of aluminum caused a decrease in fragmentation efficiency over the entire range from 0 to 70 percent aluminum content (Ref C), and (U) the rate of detonation of cast charges was continuously decreased by additions of aluminum up to ho percent (Ref D). For all practical purposes, it was concluded that the addition of 18 - 20 percent of aluminum to TNT improved its performance to a maximum. This conclusion was in agreement with that of British investigators who measured performance of aluminized mixtures based on extensive Lead Block Test data (Ref E).

2. It was considered desirable that a preliminary study be made for the purpose of finding other metal additives equal to or better than aluminum in explosives. The addition of 20 percent cf selected metals, alloys or metallic compounds as a direct replacement for the aluminum in 8o/20 Tritonal, rather than the stoichiometric amounts based on assumed reactions, was chosen because this percentage anproached the maximum amount which produced readily castable mixtures in the temperature range normally used for pouring. X-ray analysis of cast charges showed that when amounts greater than 20 percent of high density materials were added to TNT, segregation, cavitation and piping occurred much more frequently (Ref D).

3. The study of additives which were indicated to improve the performance of TNT, is being extended to include Torpex-type compositions. Varia- tionn eonnidered in the foroex formulation w»r#» (l) »n*t-»'ll1c *dd1tivee other than aluminum, (2) different granulations of RDX and aluminum, and (3) /arioua percentages of RDX and aluminum, all with the aim of producing ^.stable compositions which might be expected to have improved blast properties.

k. This report, therefore, covers two phases of a laboratory investigation directed towards an evaluation on the basis of small-scale tests of both modified 80/20 Tritonal (Part I) and modified Torpex (Part II).

DISCUSSION: Part I

5. The effect of aluminum in explosive mixtures is attributed chiefly to the heat evolved in its oxidation. A further advantage lies in the fact that the AI2O-, formed may not remain as a solid but 'Vaporizes to a gas which increases the over-all volume of gas and pressure developed by the explosive. The boiling point of Al^O., ia only 2900°C white the temperature developed on explosion of aluminized mixtures is usually above 4500°C. This fact may account for the increases noted.



6. The physical characteristics of the shock wave around an explosive are described by gi\iag the peak pressure and impulse at various distances. The peak pressure gives a measure of the maximum force which would be exerted against a structure (pressure x area = force); the impulse gives a measure of the force times the duration which, for an unsup;ported structure, is proportion- al to the velocity which would be given the structure. The following data have been collected to show peak pressures and impulses for aluminized explosives in comparison with those values for non-aluminized explosives (Ref 7). It should be noted that the pressure-time curves of alunlnized explosives have higher "peaks", and the pressures do not fall as quickly as those which are non-aluminized.

Aluminized Explosives

px 80/20

80 35

Composition, % DBX Minol-II Torpex-II px

TNT UO 40 UO 40 RDX ?1 — 42 42 Ammonium nitrate <J1 40 -- -- Aluminum 18 20 18 18 Barium nitrate -- -- -- Wax, % added -- — 5

Ballistic Mortar

20

i TNT 146

Optn-Air Blast (TNT

143 138 133

in tests = 100 for reference)

124

15 50

96

Peak Pressure 118 115 122 115 110 no Impulse 127 116 125 118 115 112 Energy 138 133 146 -- 119 —

1

Non-Aluminlzed Explo sives 1 1

Composition, i PTX- 2 Comp B PTX-1 50/50 Pentolite 50/50 Amatol TNT 28 40 20 50 50 RDX 44 60 30 -. -- PBTN 28 -- — 50 — Tetryl -- — 50 — -- AN -- -- -- — 50 Wax, > added -- 1 -- -- --

Ballistic Mortar % TNT 138 133 132 126 124 Open-Air Blast (TNT in tests • 100 for reference) Peak Pressure 113 110 111 105 97 Impulse 113 110 109 107 87 Energy 116

3



7- The measurement of pressure-time curves or blast characteristics generally requires special gages, an electronic instrumentation system, and several pounds of an explosive charge. Thesr t»*>t<» are expensive and time consuming. In order to decrease the costs involved it was felt that small-scale tests of other explosive characteristics might serve for preliminary evaluation of experimental mixtures. A further aim would be to establish where possible, correlation between readily determined or calculated explosive prope: ;ies and the more difficulty determined blast properties. Using relationships between Sand Test values and air blast results previously determined (Ref G), there are tabulated in Table I some measured explosive properties and calculated blast data for TOT containing various metallic additives. These blast data were calculated by means of equations derived from least squares formulas (Pig l). Since existing Sand Test data are obtained on samples having equal weight rather than equal volume, the conversion factor

X = l.lUX - 16.8

Where X = Sand Test x density (Volume basis) and X • Observed Sand Tent x loading de.-sity (cast)

was derived and applied to measured Sand Test values. The validity of such empirical relationships va3 tested with the following explosives for which both measured Sand Test and measured blast data were available:

Explosive Peak Calr

Pressure Obs-

Impulse „ Calc Obs~

Energy Calc Ob s-

HBX 118 115 122 118 136 —

50/50 Pentolite 113 105 116 107 126

PTX-1 112 111 115 109 123

PTX-2 116 113 120 113 132

RDX Comp C-3 107 105 108 109 112

Avg Deviation Avg % Deviation

/3-U /3-1

/ 5 /U.3

— Data taken from Ref F.

8. The effect of the addition of 20 percent of metals, alloys or other addenda on the sensitivity and stability characteristics of TOT (Table I) served to eliminate certain mixtures from further study. For reasons of undue sensitivity to impact, the following materials were eliminated:

a. Boron, amorphous b. Silicon nitride c. Zircon!'aa phosphate



Only titanium was eliminated because of instability or senaitivity to heat. The following were not considered for further stuly due to their excessive cost at the present time:

a. Bcron, amorphous I d. Aluminum borate \ e. Boron nitride

Beryllium, in addition to being quite expensive ever, *hen contained in alloys, should bt avoided as a component of explosive mixtures since its toxic and hazardous properties are known (Ref H). For various other reasons, particularly i due to unavailability of sufficient material tests of the effect of the following addends were not completed:

f. Aluminum-silicon alloy g. Calcium silicide I h. Ferrovan&dium i. Magnesium silicide J. Stainless steel k. Titanium cyanonitride

Addends to TltT which appear of interest (Table I), in addition to aluminum, include tin, titanium hydride, zinc, zirconium hyaride and zirconium-nickel alloy.

9- A summary of thermochemical properties o£ various metals, alloys, or metallic compounds in admixtures with TNT is given in Table II. The method of calculating oxygen balance, heat of combustion, heat of explosion and pow«" has been described in detail (Ref J). The metal oxides used in these calculations were in general those which coi respond to the predicted valence given by the periodic table. Calculated lieat of combustion values are in close agreement wiji values determined experimentally in the Parr Boob. Calculated heat of explosion values were in all cases higher than the determined values, several of which were about dj<..ule those obtained in Parr Bomb tests. These data, plus the slightly lower calculated gas volumes, indicate that * course of the explosive reaction and the products formed s»y not be as a^umed. However, plot of these data showed an apparent correlation between all calculated values and those determined by standard experimental methods.

10. The increase in power resulting from the addition of metals to explosive compounds which are already deficient in oxygen, requires further explanation. Metals b- ing strong oxygen acceptors, first product their oxides and thus reduce the oxygen available for conversion of carbon to carbon dioxide. Other gases formed are hydrogen and nitrogen, but the total volume of gases is reduced by the formation of nongaseous solids. Although the gas volume is reduced, there is a corresponding increase in the heat of explosion due to the high heat of formation of metal oxides. This observation no doubt led Berthelot to combine these quartities in an expression called the "Berthelot Product" or calculated power «iWx£E,

Where AV a volume of gases (cc)/gm explosive Eg » heat of explosion in cal/gm


r CONFIDENTIAL

SECURITY INFORMATION

This product, calculated from determined gas volumes and determined heat of explosion values, vftq not related to Ballistic Mortar in a manner similar to that shown for pure explosive compounds (Fig 2). However, a plct of Ballistic Mortar as a function of power derived from calculated aai. volume and heat of explosion was, with few exceptions, practically linear (Fig 3)• Neither heat of explosion, nor heat of combustion alone, was sufficient to establish any simple relationship with Ballistic Mortar values (Figs U & 5).

11. It has been shown that oxygen balance is a cOu»ouient parameter for the estimation of power of military explosives which are single compounds or mixtures of pure organic compounds (Ref K). A similar conclusion was reached using heat of explosion (Ref I). However, it appears also that oxygen balance may not be sufficient for the approximation of power of metallized explosives (Fig 6). The maximum power, as measured by the Ballistic Mortar, was given by TNT containing 20 percent of aluminum. Those metals or additives which resulted in mixtures having lower oxygen balance did not show a maximum in the ragion approaching zero oxygen balance. The exact point of maximum power could not be estimated because of t^ee limited data, yet the Ballistic Morter values wers found not to vary directly as did those mixtures of pure organic compounds (Fig 7). The idealized curve was determined from existing data by the method of least squares (See Fig 50 of Ref j).

12. A relationship between oxygen balance and rate of detonation of met»1lized TNT alsc was somewhat obscure (Fig 8). It is of interest, however, that c. number of the materials produced mixtures having higher rates of detonation than that produced by aluminum and TNT. The proportionality between brisance and rate of detonation for pure exclusive compounds (Fig 9), was not applicable to metallized TNT mixtures. A number of additives, although giving a lower brisance than aluminum with TNT. did not depress the rate of detonation of TNT as much as aluminum. The lack of apparent correlation between readily determined or calculated explosive properties and those tests which claim to measure power, indicates that other factors not previously considered, must be involved. Extensive investigations made both by British and American workers show that the relative effectiveness of explosives detonated in an enclosed space was quite different from the effect of the same explosives detonated in the open.

13. Actual measurements of peak pressure made on cylindrical charges (3-31 inches diameter by 1.6U inch high) having equal volume (232.8 cc), gave average values shown in Table III. For purposes of comparing the relative effectiveness of these experimental charges, the data were con- verted to average equivalent volume and average equivalent weight (Table IV) by methods previously devised for this purpose (Ref X). A brief explanation of the method of calculation will make clear its purpose. The peak pressure- distance data of the standard explosive and the test explosives, when plotted on log-log graph paper, show the relationship in Fig 9a. The slopes of the curves generally change in a similar fashion. The relative pressure method compares the ratio of the pressure of the test explosive to the pressure of the standard explosive at each test distance. A sufficiently good approximation results from relating an average relative pressure; thus the individual



pressure rst^ua are averaged and comparisons are made for only one point along the curve (Fig_9a). Average equivalent weight (E.W) or average equivalent volume (EV) is defined as the ratio of the weight or volume of a standard explosive (TNT) tc the weight or volume of a test explosive that will produce equal impulses or equal peak pressures at the same distance.

1U. Comparison of the effectiveness of different addends to TNT (Table IV), either on the basis of average relative pressures (K) or equivalent volume and equivalent weight, shows the superiority of aluminum powder over other additives. Tin appears to be worthy of furtner study in lulo respect. The precision indices of these measurements, as Indicated by the standard deviation,, ehould be improved by the use of spherical charges in future tests. However, the errors introduced seem to be consistent throughout the teat and the results, therefore, are significant in comparing the contribution of different substances towards increasing the olast potential of TNT.

Part II

15. Torpux, a caststle high explosive consisting of RDX, TNT and aluminum powder, waa aeveloped in England during World War II for use as a filler in warneads, min^s, and depth bcsibs. The presence of alximinum in the mixture increases its blast effect in both air and water. Several variation* in the composition or Torpex have been tebted but the following are a?»ong those used in service icunitions (Ref N):

RDX, % TNT, i Alumirua, % Wax, % Calcium Chloride, >

Torpex 2 Unwaxed —

42 1*0 ifl

Torpex g Waxed —

1*1.6 39-7 18.0 0.7

Torpex 3—

1*1.4 39-5 17.9 0.7 0.5

2. Made from Composition B-2 or 60/1*0 Cyclotol. — Made by the addition of aluminum to Composition B.

by addition of Ca Cf2 to Torpex 2. - Mad

The preseii.e of wax in Torpex has: the undesirable effect of (l) t^niing to coagulate the aluminum, thus giving a less homogeneous and more viscous product, (2) lowering the density of the cast explosive, 1.72 - 1-75 *s compared vith 1.66 - I.70 obtained with waxed Torpex, and (3) lowering the compressive strength from 3700 psi to 1970 psi for waxed Torpex. However, wax i<? generally used in service Torpex for reasons of safety, since there is evidence that its presence lowers the sensitivity of the explosive to impact as measured by laboratory drop tests and bullet sensitivity tests of small chargee (Ref N).



16. Dry Torpex possesses satisfactory stability characteristics; however, when moiBture is present, there is a tendency to evolve gas due to the reaction of moisture with the aluminum. It has been shown that this gas formation can be inhibited satisfactorily by the addition of 0.5 percent calcium chloride (Ref 0). Because cf its insolubility and non- reactivity In case of excess moisture, silica gel was considered pre- ferable to calcium chloride (Ref P). Storage tests have shown that if the moisture contents of Torpex 1 and Tritonal did not exceed the maximum amounts permitted by their specifications, neither explosive w«iu af- fected significantly with respect to stability during 2 years' storage at 6s°C (Ref Q).

17. A study of the reactivity of aluminum, magnesium and magnesium- aluminum alloy with water at room temperature over a 2U-hour period, showed the following results (Ref R):

Treatment of Metal or Allov Wt of Sample, Action of Water

Grams Ml Hg Evolved

10 100

? 36 10 2.U

2 77 2 1.1*

10 l60 10 0.7

10 15 10 O.U

10 113 10 0.2

Aluminum,. Gd h. untrpated

Magnesium. Gd A, untreated Treated w/5^ Na dichromate

Magnesium, Gd B, untreated Treated w/s£ Na dichromate

Magnesium, Gd C, untreated Treated v/5% Na dichromate

50/50 Mg-Al Alloy, untreated Treated v/5% Na dichromate^

65/35 Mg-Al Alloy, untreated Treated w/5^ Na dichromate ~

— Dichrcmating solution about 100°C

It was foond that th'i finer the granulation of the metal, the greater the reactivity with water. Thus, magnesium, Grade B, now designated as Type III, granulation No. 16 (Spec JAN-M-382A, 23 June I9U9), which is 200 mesh or finer, gave 77 ml of hydrogen for a 2 gram sample, whereas magnesium, Grade C, now designated as Type II, granulation No. Ik, which is 50/IOO mesh, gave 32 ml of hydrogen for the same weight of sample. Magnesium, Grade A, now designated as Type I, flaked and/or chip, was comparable in granulation to Type II magnesium and gave 36 ml of hydrogen gas. Aluminum, Grade B of 100 mesh granulation, appeared to be comparable in reactivity to Grade C magnesium, although direct comparison can not be made from the above data. The magnesium-aluminum alloy was found to be much less reactive with water than either magnesium or aluminum powder alone. It is significant

8



that the treatment of all these metals vith a solution of sodium dichromate produced inorganic coatings which rendered the metals much less reactive with water than the untreated »»tol« (Ref R).

18. A previous report (Ref S) notes the observation that ohe addition of small percentages of aluminum powder (if of 16 micron average particle size) to high RDX content Cyclotol improved its pourability. However, viscosity determinations made with the Stormtr Viscosimeter indicated an increase in viscosity vith the addition of aluminum. Further work in which different granulations of aluminum were used showed that the addition o:* coarse aluminum (50/l00) to 75/25 Cyclotol improved its pourability and reduced viscosity, whereas the addition of finer aluminum (Type C, Class C and material 100^ thru 200 mesh) decreased the pourability and increased viscosity. In connection with the above studies and the study of metallized explosives, it was considered desirable to determine the maximum amount cf RDX which could be added to a Torpex-type composition, containing 30 - 35 percent of aluminum, and st^ll retain satisfactory pourability. These data, collected in Table V, show that (a) Torpex-type compositions which contain 30 - 35 percent aluminum were castable at practical temperatures and (b) the use of the special grade of coarse, atomized aluminum permitted a greater amount of RDX than the finer specification grade, Type C, Class C aluminum. Torpex-type compositions, not shown in Table V but in which higher percentages of either RDX or aluminum were used, did not produce pourable mixtures of these ingredients. Calculated blast characteristics, based on the empirical relationship with brisance (Fig l) indicate the superiority of specification aluminum over a coarse, special granulation aluminum (Table V).

19. Inspection of the Ballistic Mortar data and the calculated power (Table VI) developed by these modified Torpex-type compositions raises doubt as to the desirability of decreasing the TNT content r.ud Increasing the percentage of aluminum at *h* eame time. A recent study of bubble p\)lses from 1-lb charges of FDX/TRr/aluminum mixtures in which the percentage of aluminum was varied from 0 to 1*5 percent, showed that as the aluminum content increased, the bubble pressure and energy decreased (Ref U). Based on open-air blast measurements of 9-lb charges, the optimum aluminum content in the RDX/TNT/Ai system was established at 20 to 28 percent, the percentage depending on whether pressure, impulse, weight or volume of charge was of interest (w). Th„- calculated power (from Table II) wb»n expressed in terms of percent TOT (obtained by dividing ft lbs/gm by the nRT value for TNT of 7Clft-Ib/gm times 100), showed that none o^ the variations of the Torpex formulation was comparable to standard Torpex:


•"I


Composition, % RDX/TNT/AI

Calculated AlgO? assumed solid, i TOT

Power, nRT Al^Cu assumed gaseous, % TNT

Observed Ballistic Mortar values, $ TNT

w/Specification Al 42/4o/l3 (Std Torpex) 141 131 128

kk/26/30 106 112 105

41.8/26.2/32 93 102 111

42.1/24.9/33 94 105 104

39/' 6/35 90 95 100

w/Dow Special Al 45/25/30 107 113 91

42.8/25.2/32 96 106 100

42.1/24.9/33 94 104 95

41/24/35 91 97 100

20. It leaf interest to note in the above data that calculations were made assuming the metal oxide (AlgOo) to be either solid or gaseous at the detonation temperatures. The true values for the heat of explosion and adiabatic flame temperature may lie between the "solid" and "gaseous" values, although only standard Torpex shows the relationship of higher values for A^O, solid than AI2O, gaseous. Correlation between the power, thus calculated, and the observed Ballistic Mortar values generally has shown a direct relationship on a 45° line (Ref V), but these data appear to obscure such a relationship (Fig 10). Any discrepancy which exists is believed to be due to errors in observed Ballistic Mortar values rather than to the calculited power values. In the case of Tritonals, it has been shown that the optimum percent of aluminum and the maxima of the curves (Fig 11) relative to power were in agreement with respect to both calculated nRT and Ballistic Mortar value". Calculated power values were slightly lower than the observed power, but in the range 0 to 23 percent aluminum, calculated nRT values for AlgO^ soiid were higher than AlgO, gaseous, whereas above 23 percent aluminum, the reverse was true (Fig ll). This observation for Tritonal appears to be in agreement with similar data calculated for modified Torpex-type compositions (Table VI).

21. The advantages of the thermodynamic system of calculating the power of explosives, as compared with the method for obtaining the Berthelot "characteristic product", have been described in detail (Ref V). This system takes into account the variation of the specific heat for the various

10



i product gases over the temperature range Involved. Th« explosion temperatures, thus calculated, are somewhat more realistic although such values may not represent true temperatures. The bases for the determination of the power cr PV work product of an explosive upon detonation, is the expression

PV « R-T-£n

where

obtained from

R = the universal gas constant or 1.987 cal/°K/mole

T = the adiabatic flame temperature is V

T = 298 / 3E_ £nCy

x 10-> .<ith

QE « heat of explosion at constant volume in k cal/mole

7\ - number of moles of gas formed C„ = average heat capacity in cal/mole

22. As mentioned in paragraph 16 different granulations of aluminum powder wers known to affect pourabilicy and viscosit. of an explosive mixture, b«t "Ht.f.e was known as to the effect on power, brisance and other explosive properties. A comparison of some results from t&e use of speulfic&ticss grade aluminum; Dow special of coarse granulation, and a 6 micron average particle size aluminum powder is shown in Table VII. The Ballistic Mortar value of such Torpex was unaffected; however, both special granulations of aluminum caused significant decreases in impact sensitivity values, and the coarse material also lowered the brisance value. The effect on peak pressure and impulse developed by Torpex containing different granulations of aluoin-'ja must be determined by open-air blast measurements. Calculation of power as described in paragraph 21 makes no provisions for variations in particle size of the ingredients of an explosive mixiurs.

23. Of the other metal substitutes used in place of aluminum in Torpex, the 65/35 magnesium-aluminum alloy appears tc be the most satisfactory (Table VII). The reactivity of magnesium-aluminum alloys with water Is much less than that of either magnesium or aluminum powder alone and the dichromate treatment of the alloy would render this material practically inactive with respect to moisture (Paragraph 17). There was little change in the properties of the explosive mixture when a direct substitution of 65/35 Mg-Al alloy was made for the aluminum normally used (Table VII). The decrease noted in the impact sensitivity value was not sufficient to eliminate Mg-Al alloy as a suitable substitute for aluminum. The calculated nRT values shown uelow indicate the power obtainable from m Mg-Al alloy containing Torpex would be comparable to that of standard Torpex. The metal oxides produced should be assumed solid rather than gaseous, since the calculated adiabatic flame temperatures, when assumed gaseous, are less than the boiling points of the oxides (Table VI). Observed Ballistic Mortar values confirm the PV work product predicted for Mg-Al alloy Torpex:

11


Composition, % RDX/TNT/metal

U2/UO/18 Al (Std Torpex) 42/U0/18 Mg-Ai alloy U2/U0/18 Magnesium


Calculated Power, nRT Observed Oxides assumed Oxides assumed Ballistic Mortar soMd, jL TOT gaseous, j, TNT Values, $ TNT

1U1 135 129

131 99 105

128 125

The other metallic additives gave Ballistic Mortar Values which were too low for their consideration as replacements Tor aluminum in Torpex.

2k. Future work on Torpex-type compositions will include calculation of the PV work p oduct of the gases of detonation to indicate the optimum proportion* of the RDX/TNT/metal system which should result in maximum power. The composition thus obtained and those containing the dichromated magnesiuo-aluminum alloy will be tested for blast effectiveness Open air blast measurement will also be mede on compositions suggested by OcO - ORDTA in which aluminum is substituted on a volume basis for RDX of the same grist.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDliRES:

25. The characteristics of the ingredients used in this 3tudy were as follows:

a. RDX, lolston Lot E-2-5, about 60% of which was coarser than 50 mesh, had a calculated specific surface of approximately 5CO sq cm/gm and an apparent density of 1,36 gm/cc- This material is described in detail in PA Technical Report No- YJkl.

b. TNT, Keystone Lot 237U, used in all compositions, had a solidification point of 80 5°C and complied with Specification JAN-T-2U8 for Grade I material.

c. RDX, Type B, Class A, complied with the requirements of Specification JAN-R-398.

d. The 65/35 magnesium-aluminum alloy, Type B, complied with the requirements of Specification JAN-M-U5U.

e. Granulation of aluminum powder used:

Granulation Spec ification Dow Chem Co Thru US 8td Grade Spherical Special Sieve No. Type C, Class C Aluminum Granulation

12 -- 100.0 20 -- 98.8 UO -- 83.I

100 98.0 30.U 200 80.0 8.0 230 -_ U.8 325 (min) 65.O 2.9 325 (max) 90.0 Avg particle

12



26. Preparation of Migh RDX Content Torpex-Tyge Compositions - The TNT was melted on a steam bath at approximately 95 C, aluminum ~nd RDX were added, and the 100-gram sample was stirred while on the steam bath for at least fifteen minutes. The proportions of the ingredierts were varied until the maximum amount of RDX and aluminum were added, and the result''^ composition was still pcurable at reasonable temperatures. SampleB were poured at the lowest temperature at which they appeared to be of satisfactory fluidity. By pouring the mixtures into glass vials, 3" x 3A"> it was possible to note the fluidity of the molten mass while being cast and also to note evidences of cavitation.

27. Cast Density - Determined with Westphal Specific Gravity Chain Balance (lohwald Improved) Model No. A^-012 previously checked using distilled water at 20°C. Cylindrical charges, approximately 5/8" in diameter and l£" long (obtained by breaking the above glass vials)and weighing 20-2'j grams in air were used for cast density measurements.

28. Viscosities - A modified Stormer Viscosimeter,equipped with a propeller-type rotor and with the standard cup replaced by a copper beaker, was used. Calibration was made with NRfi standard viacuoiiy samples. The copper beaker was filled with sample to a specified depth (aprx 180 gms), the rotcr immersed to a mark on the shaft, and Ihe driving weight varied until 100 revolutions were made by the rotor in thirty seconds. Tempera- ture of the sample, maintained by circulating hot water from a thermo- statically controlled bath through the sample Jacket, was constant during measurements. An auxiliary bath was used to preheat the samples for thirty siir:utc3, alightiy above the test temperature, prior to viscosity determinations. The viscosity measurement of each sample was made first at 90^C and then at 85°C.

29. Laboratory determinations of Explosior Temperature, Impact Test, 100°C leat Test, 120°C Vacuum Scabllity Ter.t and Sand Test were made by the standard procedures as described in Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. IkOl, Revision 1, "Standard Laboratory Procedures for Sensiti- vity, Brisance and Stability of Explosives", A. J. Clear, 28 February 1950.

30- The Ballistic Mortar test was made by the standard procedure described in Picatinny Arsenal Testing Manual No. 7-2, "Ballistic Mortar Test", J. I. Mclvor, 8 May 1950.

31. The rates of detonation of the cast charges having diameters of approximately 1 inch were determined by means of the high-speed rotating drum camera equipment at this Arsenal.

32. Meat of Combustion - The double valve self-sealing Parr Bomb, No. 101 Al 202, was used for the heat of combustion; the water equivalent for this was 2779 Cal/°C. One ml of distilled water was placed in the bottom of the bomb. The bomb was flushed two times vith oxygen at 10 atmospheres and filled with oxygen at 30 atmospheres pressure. A single strand of iron wire was used for Ignition and a correction of 2 calories per inch was allowed. The customary tltratlon and correction for acid was made.

13


—} «

CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORU«u-n

33- lest of gxplo3lon - The double valve self-sealing Parr Bomb was used. The loading density at which the determinations were made was 0.015 gm/ml. Ail tests of thoroughly blended powders were conducted after the bomb had been flushed twice with purified nitrogen at 10 atmospheres and then filled with nitrogen at 25 atmospheres pressure.

3^. Volume of Water at SPT - The amount of water was determined by passing the gases, after the bomb cooled to room temperature, slowly out of the needle valve and through a weighed drying tube containing anhydrous calcium chloride. After the bomb reached atmospheric pressure, the head was dried with a small pellet of cotton which was dropped into the bomb. The bomb was closed by means of a rubber stopper fitted with a glass ^.ibe connected to a vacuum pump. This was evacuated for 15 minutes at room temperature, after which time the bomb was placed in a beaker of near boiling water and the evacuation was continued an additional 15 minutes. The hot water was replaced with near boiling water and after another 15 minutes of evacuation, the drying tube was disconnected and weighed. This process was repeated at 15 minute intervals until the drying tube had a constant weight of £ 3 milligrams.

The weight of water was calculated as follows:

Weight of Water, gra/gm sample - A - B - D

Where A = Final weight of drying tube, grams B = Initial weight of drying tube, grams C = Weight of sample., grams D = Weight of ammonium formed by sample, gm/gm

The volume oi* water was obtained as follows:

Volume of Water, ml/gm = "^y^/^e' ^** X 22k°° Cc/m°le

35. Open-Air Blast Tests - Measurements of the blast characteristics of the explosive charges were made with the aid of an eight-channel oscillograph recording and calibrating unit. The cast cylindrical charges measured &.h cm in diameter and k.2 cm in height, contained a 1" x 1" cylindrical cavity for a Tetryl booster and weighed approximately 3A ot a pound. Air blast gages utilising barium titanate crystals were stan- dardized in the field by measuring accurately the velocity of shock waves and utilizing established relationships between velocity and peak pressure (See Ballistics Research Laboratory Report No. 336). Pressure-distance curves for TNT demolition blocks were subsequently run and checked with the theoretical and experimental results listed by Kirkwood and Brinklcy In OSRD Report No. 5137 and thus gave an independent check on the accuracy of the calibration. All firings were made with six gages placed at distances of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 feet in an improved charge suspension system at the testing range. Pressure-distance curves were obtained by enlargement of 35-mm film which recorded the trace made on the oscillograph by detonation of an explosive charge.

14


HI


REFERENCES:

A. V. B. Kennedy, R. F. Arentzen and C. W. Tait, OSRD Report No k6k9, Division 2 Monthly Report No. AES-6, Survey of the Performance of TWT/Al on the Basis of Air-Blast Pressure

and Impulse;' 25 Jan 19^5-

B. V. R. Tomlinson, Jr., Picatlnny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1290, "Develop New ligh Explosive Tiller for AP Shot ,

First Progress Report, 19 May 19*0.

C. V. R. Tomlinson, Jr., Picatlnny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1380, "Develop New ligh Explosive Filler for AP Shot , Second Progress Report, 12 Jan 19U4.

D L. S. Wise, r-icatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1550, "Effect of Aluminum on the Rate of Detonation of TNT ,

26 July 19^5-

E. British Report AC-543Y, Tne affect ox Aluminum Ou the fever

of Explosives", 6 June 19^h•

F. W. R. Tomlinr.cn, Jr.,Picatlnny Arsenal Technical Report No. 17U0, "Properties of Explosives of Mixxtary Intelest ,

20 June 19*9-

G. W. R. Tomlinson, Jr., Picatinny Arsenal technical Division Lecture, "Blast Effects of Bomb Explosives , 9 April 19*0 (based on BRL Report No. 1*77 and other references).

I. N. I. Sax, "landbook of Dangerous Materials", p k6, Reinhold Publishing Corp, N. T., 1951-

I. Arthur D. Little, Inc Report "Study of Pure Explosive impounds", Part II Correlation of Thermal Quantities with

Explosive Properties, 2 April 19^7.

J. Arthur D. Little, Inc Report "Study of ^* E*£0»JV'ture8 Compounds", Part III Correlation of Composition of Mixtures

with Performance, 1 May 1952.

K. Arthur D. Little, Inc Report "Study of p«,re0JxP1J8iveu,th

Compounds", Part I Correlation of Organic Structure with Explosive Properties from Existing Data, * jan 19^7-

L. CO. Dunkle, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report Ho. 11*5, "Study Fundamental Properties of ligh Explosives , Third

Progress Report, 22 January 19*2.

15


r


REFERENCES: (Coat)

M. Wm I. Rtnkenbach, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1352, "Study Fundamental Properties of ligh Explosives", Fifth Progress Report, 2 Oct 1943•

N. Philip C. Keenan, U. S. Navy Dept, Bureau of Ordnance, Explosive Research Memorandum Report No. 2k, "Properties of Torpex", January 19^5•

0. F. I. Westheimer and J. W. Dawson, OSRD Report No. 4085, "The Gas Evolution from Torpex", 1 September 1944.

P. K. S. Warren, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1560,"Study of Effects of Moisture on 8o/20 Tritonal, 23 August 19^5-

Q. W. R. Tomlinson, Jr and L. I. Eriksen, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1635, "Stability Tests of Aluininized Explosives", 21 October 1946.

R. David lart, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1403 "Coating Agents for Magnesium and Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy", 21 March 194+.

S. D. C. McLean and J. E. Abel, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1793, "A Study of Various Solvents and Solvent Mixtures for RDX, and Investigation of the Effect of Surface Active Agents on the Viscosity of ligh RDX Content Cyclotols", Report No. *•, 4 Dec 1950.

T. E. A. Christian , J. A. Goertner, J. P. Slifko and E. Swift Jr., U. 8. Naval Ordnance Laboratory Rerort No. 2277, "The Effect of Aluminum on Underwater Explosive Performance: Bubble Pulse Para- meters from 1-lb Charges", 1 Jan 1952.

U. Arthur D. Little, Inc. Report "Study of Pure Explosive Compounds", Part IV Calculation of leat of Combustion of Organic Compounds from Structural Features an<? Calculation of Power of ligh Explosives, 1 May 1952.

V. E. M. Fisher, NAVORD Report No. 2348, "The Determination of the Optimum Air Blast Mixture of Explosives in the RDX/TNT/Aiuminum System", 12 March 1952.

W. J. Maser jian and E. M. Fisher, NAVORD Report No. 2264 "Deter- mination of Average Equivalent Weight and Average Equivalent Volume and their Precision Indexes for Comparison of Explosives in Air", 2 November 1951-

INCLOSURES:

1-7 Tables La,b, & c thru VII 8-16 Figures 1 thru 11

lb



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The assistance of the Physical Research Section and particularly Dr. E. N. Clark and Mr. F. ". Schmitt, in conducting the blast teats and obtaining preeaure-Jistance decay "urves, is hereby acknowledged. A de- tailed report of the test procedure will be issued by the Physical Research Section.

17


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EMPIRICAL RELATIONSHIP 6CTWEEN BLAST

CHARACTERISTICS AND SAND TEST VALUES

i 60

SAND 70 TEST

60 90 X DENSITY^ X

cc*

100 110

CONFIDENTIAL ^2 - •• NFC^Mflf ON

t

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RELATION BETWEEN CALCULATED POWER

(BERTHELOT PRODUCT) AND BALLISTIC

MORTAR VALUES FOR 60/20 TNT/ADUEND

MIXTURES

SECUMTY INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL

POWER , CALCULATED (0)

100 !!0 . % TNT

U„

i

130

120

110

tr < * •

o 5

ICO

o 90

^80

70

60


RELATION BETWEEN POWER DERIVED

FROM CALCULATED GAS VOLUME AND

CALCULATED HEAT OF EXPLOSION

(BERTHELOT PRODUCT) AND BALLISTIC

MORTAR VALUES FOR 80/20 TNT/ADDEND

MIXTURES

o— 5<M

o-AI / /

/ /

/

/ /

/

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- o-TtO, s —

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o-Z+fU

FIG. 3 SECURITY INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL 80 100 120 140 POWER , CALCULATED ,c)

1 160 180

% TNT

150

140


RELATION BETWEEN HEAT OF EXPLOSION

AND BALLISTIC MORTAR VALUES OF

80/20 TNT/ADDEND MIXTURES ^^

IDEALIZED CURVE FOR

SINGLE COMPONENT EXPLOSIVES ( R E F. I )

^KKJ

FIG. 4 6o0 700 300

«EA, OF EXPLOSi•,,, ,'^L/GM"^

SECURITY INFORMATIONl I CONFIDENTIAL

I^OO

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130

120

no

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100

o 90

CO

< 00 80

70


RELATION BETWEEN HEAT OF COMBUSTION

AND BALLISTIC MORTAR VALUES OF

80/20 TNT/ADDEND MIXTURES

o-&«

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FIG. 5 1

SECURITY INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL 2600 3000 3400 3800 4200

HE~T 3F C3W9USTI0N 01

460C ;AL/r,M

• CONFI DENT1AL StCU«lTY INFORMATION

RELATION BETWEEN OXYGEN BALANCE AND

BALLISTIC MORTAR VALUES FOR


IDEALIZED CURVE FOR SINGLE

COMPONENT EXPLOSIVES (REF. J)

-70 OXYGEN

•50 -30 PALANCE

I


RELATION BETWEEN OXYGEN BALANCE

AND BALLISTIC MORTAR VALUES FOR


i •

j

i


COMPONENT EXPLOSIVES (REF. J)

-85 -80 OXYGEN

-75 3ALANCE

\


RELATION BETWEEN OXYGEN BALANCE

AND RATE OF DETONATION VALUES

FOR 80/20 TNT/ADDEND MIXTURES

8500

5

i

IDEALIZED

o

Hi

CURVE FOR TNT AND

MIXTURES HAVING IMPROVED

OXYGEN BALANCE (DATA FROM REF. L )

NH4N0s

.7500

O

O

UJ Q

O

6500

a.

5500

-90 -«5 -80 -75 -70 OXYGEN BALANCE TO CO,

• «» | .«*-*-»

A-,


RELATION BETWEEN BRISANCE

RATE OF DETONATION OF


AND

8500

o UJ V)

</) or UJ

UJ7500 5

z o

< Z o I- UJ o

u. 6500 o

UJ t- <

5500


COMPONENT EXPLOSIVES (REF. M )

10 20 30 BRISANCE , SAND

40 50 CRUSHED, GMS.

I


EMPIRICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEAK

PRESSURE AND DISTANCE OF BARE

I 0.700

u,

<

1401— "


RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CALCULATED *RT

AND BALLISTIC MORTAR VALUES FOR

MODIFIED TORPEX COMPOSITIONS

J.EQEND__ o -SPEC GO. Al, Al803 U) • -SPEC GO. Al, Al203 (f)

D _ DOW SPECIAL Al, Ale03(*)

._ DOW SPECIAL Al, Al203(^)

IDEALIZED CURVE .

BALLISTIC MORTA-i ,

i

CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY IMFOSr«ATIC«

COMPARISON OF CALCULATED nRT P0WER

WITH BALLISTIC MORTAR VALl'ES FOR

TRITONALS ND ( DATA FROM REF. V)

. CALCULATED AS AltOs (*)

. CALCULATED AS Al203 (j)

o OBSERVED BALLISTIC

MC-rfTAR VALUES

% ALUMINUM

FIG. II SECURITY INf'OftMAT'ON

CONFIDENTIAL

\~~

topercent aluminum content (ref c), and (u) the rate of detonation of cast charges was continuously...

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