Reaction zone structure in supracompressed detonating explosives

Abstract

Nanosecond time resolved particle velocity histories of supracompressed detonation waves in TNT-, TATB-, and HMX-based explosives are measured using a VISAR laser velocimeter and calculated using the ignition and growth reactive flow hydrodynamic computer code model. The Zeldovich-von Neumann-Doering (ZND) detonation wave structure is observed at pressures more than twice the self-sustaining detonation wave pressure. TNT and TATB exhibited a fast reaction which liberates approximately 80% of the total available exothermicity within 50 ns, followed by a slower reaction which lasts another 100--200 ns. These reaction rates are not strongly dependent on the initial shock pressure. The slower reaction is attributed to diffusion controlled solid carbon coagulation. The ignition and growth model using a ZND type model with a fast reaction preceding a slower reaction to the fully reacted product state accurately calculates the VISAR experimental data for TNT, LX-17, PBX 9404 and RX-26-AF. 21 refs., 15 figs., 3 tabs.