Detonation Sensitivity and Failure Diameter in Homogeneous Condensed Materials

Abstract

A model is proposed for steady detonation waves in homogeneous condensed materials. The model is one in which the pressure profile in the direction of the wave motion is square between shock front and Chapman-Jouguet surface. The reaction rate in the steady zone is allowed to vary with the steady detonation wave velocity according to the temperature in the reaction zone. The model refines and makes quantitative an early suggestion by Eyring, Powell, Duffey, and Parlin. The results give a failure diameter, with dual-valued solutions at greater diameters. Predictions of failure diameter, wave velocity at failure diameter, induction time during initiation, and shock sensitivity for given charge dimension are possible. The predicted results for two materials of widely different detonation properties, liquid TNT and ammonium nitrate at theoretical crystalline density, are compared with observations.