Abstract: A fuze booster includes a first explosive charge having a cavity with an annular portion of the first explosive charge encircling a first axial portion of the cavity and a semi-annular portion partially encircling a second axial portion of the cavity. The annular portion abuts the semi-annular portion. An explosively-inert material abuts the semi-annular portion, abuts the annular portion, and partially encircles the second axial portion of the cavity. A second explosive charge abuts the explosively-inert material, abuts the semi-annular portion, and partially encircles the second axial portion of the cavity. The second axial portion of the cavity is thus completely encircled by a combination of the semi-annular portion, the explosively-inert material, and the second explosive charge.

Abstract: A friction tester for explosive material includes a cylinder with a piston disposed therein for sliding movement along the cylinder's axial dimension. The piston includes first and second opposing faces. A plate is coupled to the piston and extends away from the first face thereof along the cylinder's axial dimension. The plate includes a portion extending from the cylinder. The plate has opposing surfaces of defined surface roughness. A sample holder disposed adjacent to the cylinder holds an explosive material sample against each of the opposing surfaces of the plate at the portion thereof that extends from the cylinder. A driver coupled to the second face of the piston drives the piston in the cylinder's axial dimension such that the plate moves relative to and against each explosive material sample.