Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of the research on energetic composite materials, and in particular to a device and a method for controlling transverse and longitudinal stress waves during the curing process of energetic composite materials. The device for controlling transverse and longitudinal stress waves comprises a curing vessel containing an energetic composite materials to be cured; a vertical exciter that is vertically incident to the curing vessel; and a plurality of oblique exciters which are arranged around the vertical exciter and obliquely incident to the curing vessel, wherein the oblique exciters have inclination angles between a first critical angle and a second critical angle. By means of incident transverse and longitudinal waves, the internal radial residual stress and the internal axial residual stress are reduced and homogenized, so as to improve stability and mechanical property of the energetic composite materials during curing.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-size non-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: An initiator explosive for detonating a second explosive that includes nanocrystalline silicon containing a plurality of pores and a solid state oxidant disposed within said pores.

Abstract: A solvent-free process is used to make mouldable plastic explosives or mouldable plastic explosive simulant products.

Abstract: A primer composition with reduced toxicity suited for reduced-energy ammunition comprises bismuth (III) oxide as the principal oxidizer and contains a portion of propellant composition mixed therein. This composition may also be used in a cartridge which is otherwise substantially free of any other propellant compound and preferably produces a residue which is substantially free of toxic substances.

Abstract: A flexible dilute explosive device is provided that includes an explosive material, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), combined with a non-reactive matrix material, such as light-weight polymer beads, and the combination is held in flexible packaging. The flexible packaging includes fabric, antistatic, evacuated and plastic housings. The flexible dilute explosive device can be applied to any contoured shape in the field. It has a total density that is typically between 5 to 10% greater than its explosive density and can be reliably detonated at lower explosive densities. By using different packaging methods, the flexible dilute explosive device can be made to have a fixed explosive density, or a field tailored explosive density using a variable volume housing. It can have a reduced explosive density by adding inert foam blocks to the combination, having an overall volumetric explosive density reduced to 2.5 lb/ft3 (0.04 g/cm3).

Abstract: An explosive charge such as a cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) includes an explosive charge (14, 114, 214) having a first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) with discrete bodies (118, 218) of a second material embedded therein. In some embodiments, discrete bodies may comprise explosive material and the first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) may be more sensitive to initiation than the explosive material of the discrete bodies (118, 218). In a separate aspect of the invention, the discrete bodies may have a minimum dimension of at least 1 millimeter or, optionally, 1.6 millimeter, regardless of the explosive properties of the material therein. In a particular embodiment, discrete bodies may be shaped as cylindrical pellets rounded at at least one end. The cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) may be produced by melting the first explosive, disposing discrete bodies therein and cooling the molten material to solid form.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to the heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate primary pyrotechnic material and a secondary pyrotechnic material. The secondary pyrotechnic material has a melting point below the autoignition temperature of the primary pyrotechnic material. The secondary pyrotechnic material is in the form of a continuous, solid matrix (112) containing and adhering together the particles (114) of the primary pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: An explosive particle-containing carrier material (24b) and a fully jacketed finished explosive material (33, 33') containing it, e.g., detonating cord, are produced in a high-speed continuous process by impregnating an absorbent carrier material such as cotton yarn (14) with a solution (12) of an explosive. Explosive particles (46) are precipitated from solution within the solution-impregnated carrier material (20) either by contacting the latter with a non-solvent fluid and/or subjecting it to flash evaporation under a vacuum. Rapid precipitation yields superfine explosive crystals (particles 46) within the carrier material (24b). Residual liquid non-solvent and/or solvent is removed from the carrier material, which may be encased in a plastic cover (38, 38') to provide a finished article (33, 33').

Abstract: The present invention provides a propellant for electrothermal-chemical guns comprising a dispersion of one or more energetic solids in an energetic liquid phase. The energetic solid is preferably a nitramine such as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and the energetic liquid component is preferably a homogeneous liquid that is either aqueous or non-aqueous. Aqueous liquid phases suitable for use in the present invention include concentrated solutions containing at least one nitrate salt. Non-aqueous liquid phases suitable for use include those that contain nitrate ester, nitramine, nitro or azido compounds or mixtures thereof.These propellants provide a high level of energy density because of the use of energetic ingredients and the high loading density allowed with a liquid propellant. The presence of a dispersed solid phase within the continuous liquid phase also permits control of the burning behavior of the propellant by variation of the interfacial area between phases.

Abstract: An explosive composition is derived from a non-aqueous emulsion of a solution of a self-explosive dispersed as the discontinuous phase (D-phase) throughout a continuous phase (C-phase) which is substantially immiscible with the D-phase. The emulsion is prepared by dropping the solution of self-explosive into a dispersion of surfactant or emulsifier in fuel, at a temperature high enough to prevent precipitation of the self-explosive from solution. Upon cooling and aging, the emulsion becomes a pourable or pumpable mass which gradually is destabilized. Upon destabilization and recrystallization in a cavity, a mass of crystals of self-explosive becomes shaped to the cavity.

Abstract: Clean burning, non-self extinguishing propellant compositions for use in hybrid automotive air bag systems are disclosed. The propellant compositions are based on a mixture of a crystalline nitramine propellant, an energetic or non-energetic binder and one or a combination of an oxidizing propellant and an energetic plasticizer.

Abstract: Castable high explosive compositions having a binder system containing plastisol grade nitrocellulose (PNC) and an energetic plasticizer are disclosed. The explosive composition also includes a solid high explosive ingredient, such as an explosive nitramine. Reactive metals, such as aluminum, magnesium or titanium, and oxidizers, such as ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, or ammonium dinitramide, are optionally included in the explosive compositions of the present invention. The disclosed explosive compositions have a typical detonation velocities above about 8000 m/s.

Abstract: An initiating element of non-primary explosive type comprising a confinement containing secondary explosive, having a first end adapted for ignition of the secondary explosive by igniting means, optionally via delay and flame-conducting pyrotechnic compositions, a second end adapted for delivering a detonation impuls and a intermediate portion in which the secondary explosive upon ignition is able to undergo a deflagration to detonation transition. At least a part of the secondary explosive is modified to give increased reaction rates at low pressures.

Abstract: A stable extrudable non-azide crash bag propellant composition for generating high quality nitrogen gas and a low temperature process for producing the same from an extrudable mass containing an effective amount of a cellulose-based binder.

Abstract: In a low energy fuse, the reactive composition on the inner wall of the tubing is substantially free of a metal fuel or quasi metal fuel and comprises a particulate secondary high explosive and a gas generating non-explosive particulate solid selected from barium peroxide, barium nitrate, potassium permanganate, potassium chloride or sodium azide. The gas generating solid renders the fuse safer for use in an inflammable or incendive atmosphere such as a coal mine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing, by means of working, mixing and homogenizing, castable explosive substances of high viscosity containing crystalline and/or particulate explosives and, if appropriate, other action-enhancing additives and such small quantities of binder and other viscosity-reducing agents that the mixture in the unworked state virtually feels like and behaves like a dry powder. In order to achieve the desired working, mixing and homogenizing, use is made of an arrangement which is known per se.

Abstract: An explosive composition having a combination of a principal explosive, which is relatively insensitive to initiation of detonation, two mesh fractions of a sensitizing explosive which is relatively sensitive to initiation of detonation, a critical diameter additive which lowers the critical diameter of the composition, and a binder, demonstrates the ability to achieve steady-state detonation after deliberate initiation of detonation. The composition is further characterized by low sensitivity to accidental detonation by external influences, and favorable mechanical and processability properties.A method of making an explosive composition of this type by adjusting the amount of critical diameter additive and testing the composition is also described.

Abstract: A method of safely detoxifying mustard gases comprises reacting the gases a first reaction with incandescent pyrophoric metallic powder compounded in specific formulation. A second reaction enhances the neutralization of the toxicity of the mustard gases by thermal pyrolysis or deflagration. To accomplish the basic reaction which results in formation of thiacyclopentane, aluminum powder which is a preferred incandescent, pyrophoric metallic powder, is compounded in a basic formulation of aluminum powder, a binder, a curing agent, oxidizing agent, and burn rate catalyst. Examples of detoxification formulation which accomplishes the first reaction as well as a second reaction which enhances the neutralization of the toxicity of the mustard gases or toxic chemical agents by thermal pyrolysis or deflagration are shown under Table II and Table III.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase, and an emulsifier content being at least 45% by weight of the emulsified fuel phase which decreases precompression or dead pressing.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising (a) a water-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-releasing salt, (ii) a continuous water-immiscible organic phase and (iii) an emulsifier, and (b) 20 to 75% w/w of the total composition of brisant explosive and wherein the emulsifier is chosen from poly[alk(en)yl] succinic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A molded explosive member having mating means molded along the periphery to permit interlocking of adjacent members is disclosed. The molded member from an explosive material comprising a mixture of from 30 to 70 wt. % pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) powder, about 1 wt. % graphite, and 70 to 30 wt. % foamable polystyrene beads heated in a closed mold, in the absence of moisture in contact with the PETN powder, graphite, and polystyrene beads, to a temperature of from about 90.degree. to 104.degree. C. to foam the polystyrene beads and mold the explosive material into the desired shape. The amount of PETN powder in the mixture is varied to adjust the desired amount of pressure generated during detonation of the molded explosive member.

Abstract: Explosive compositions based on TNT (trinotrotoluene) having incorporated therein as desensitizer an ozokerite wax.

Abstract: The disclosure primarily relates to a method of phlegmatizing crystalline or otherwise particulate explosive substances or compositions in which these are included, by first coating the discrete particles with a thin layer of oxazolin wax in order thereafter to carry out a conventional wet-granulation with a true phlegmatization agent or a binder agent, such as one of the wax types included under different explosive standards or a plastic composition. The invention also concerns products manufactured according to said method.

Abstract: Use of mixtures of certain solid oxidizers in minimum smoke crosslinked propellants dramatically enhances burn rates.

Abstract: Provided is a water-in-oil explosive emulsion composition having a 1/2 cartridge gap sensitivity of at least about three inches, yet a water content of at least about 10 percent by weight. The composition comprises an emulsion matrix of a hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel component, at least one inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier and water in an amount of at least about ten percent by weight of the emulsion matrix. In addition to the emulsion matrix, the composition further comprises from 1 to 12 weight percent of a water insoluble sensitizer and sufficient density control agent such that the density of the composition is at least 1.0 g/cc. The resulting composition exhibits excellent sensitivity in combination with excellent stability. Another advantage of the resulting composition is that it exhibits an improved ability to withstand underwater wave compression (dead pressness) which often results in total failure of any explosive in the near vicinity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of compound pyrotechnic products.The invention relates to a three-step, solvent-free process for the manufacture of compound pyrotechnic products containing a thermosetting binder obtained by reaction of a polyhydroxylated prepolymer with a diisocyanate, which process is characterized in that:in a first step the said prepolymer is mixed with an energetic charge and with a quantity of diisocyanate representing 50 to 90% of the required stoichiometric quantity,in a second step the remainder required to attain the said stoichiometric quantity is added and, after mixing, the pasty mixture thus obtained is extruded,in a third step the crosslinking of the thermosetting binder is completed hot.The invention makes it possible to obtain industrially, by extrusion, small-diameter pyrotechnic products containing a thermosetting binder without restriction on the "pot life" period. The invention is particularly suitable for the production of compound propellent powders for arms.

Abstract: The incorporation of a nitrated pentaerythritol additive selected from the ono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-nitrated pentaerythritols into hydrazine is effective in lowering the freezing point of the combination while enhancing the performance of the monopropellant by contributing to the total energy of the monopropellant combination. Hydrazine content varies from about 65 to 95 weight percent while the additive of a nitrated pentaerythritol varies from about 5 to about 25 weight percent. An optional additional additive of methyl alcohol from about 5 to about 20 weight percent can be employed with a corresponding adjustment in weight percent of hydrazine when said additive of methyl alcohol is employed in addition to said additive of said nitrated pentaerythritol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a relatively high density and energy and a critical diameter no larger than about 150 mm at a temperature of 5.degree. C. The composition comprises inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, a sensitizer and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: A cold moldable explosive composition comprises 85 to 98% by weight of at least one explosive chosen from among octogen, hexogen, pentrite, hexanitrostilbene and triaminotrinitrobenzene, 1.5 to 11% by weight of a thermoplastic binder constituted by a chlorinated and/or fluorinated elastomer, such as copolymer of trifluorochloroethylene and vinylidene fluoride and 0.5 to 4% of a fluorinated plasticizer constituted e.g. by a low molecular weight trifluorochloroethylene polymer.

Abstract: A high energy propellant or explosive charge is prepared by compacting a normally pulverulent secondary high explosive, such as HMX or RDX, and retaining the pulverulent material packed as a coherent mass by means of a bridging agent capable of hydrogen bonding with the secondary explosive. The bridging agents used in this invention are characterized in their ability to hydrogen bond to the secondary explosive, their comparatively high intrinsic density, their solubility in a polar solvent, and their stereo compatibility with the secondary high explosive. The bridging agents are also characterized by the presence of at least two sites for hydrogen bonding comprised of hydroxyl or, carboxyl groups.

Abstract: Method of maximizing stability and minimizing production of toxic fumes as explosion by-products by utilizing a moisture resistant blasting composition and said composition, comprising an invert emulsion component having, as the continuous external organic phase thereof, a partial ester of a 2-12 carbon polyhydric alcohol and a tall oil fatty acid, said explosive composition being capable of utilizing sufficient solid oxygen-supplying salt to obtain an Oxygen Balance of about zero without substantial loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: An energetic composition useful in transferring detonation through thin cnels in a logic pattern comprises a binder comprising vinyl-terminated polybutadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer crosslinked with a monofunctional unsaturated ester monomer in an amount from about 50 to about 90 percent of the binder weight and a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of dioctyl phthalate, maleate and adipate, isodecyl pelargonate, dibutyl phthalate and maleate in an amount from about 10 to 50 percent of the binder weight, and pentaerythritol tetranitrate in amount from about 76 to 84 percent of the total composition weight. The composition is cured with ionizing radiation in a dose from about 0.6.times.10.sup.6 to 1.2 to 10.sup.6 rads.

Abstract: An explosive oil-in-water emulsion and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The process comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B, ingredient A being selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof, and ingredient B being selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylamines, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyldiamines, hydrazine, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanolamines, urea and mixtures thereof, incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting water-in-oil emulsion, one of said ingredients A and B being added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient of ingredients A or B being added during agitation.

Abstract: A method for making a water-in-oil emulsion type explosive composition is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting emulsion. One of the ingredients A or B is added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient is added during agitation. Ingredient A is oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. Ingredient B is an ammonium or alkali metal phosphate or carbonate.

Abstract: This invention involves the synthesis of a novel family of azido fluorodinitro amines and their utilization as energetic plasticizers for advanced solid propellant compositions.

Abstract: A process for desensitizing sensitive explosives materials such as RDX or HMX involves stirring a paste of the explosives material in a liquid medium, usually water, with a wax which will soften below the safe decomposition temperature of the explosives material, heating the mixture to drive off the liquid and soften the wax which is then coated onto the explosives material as the liquid evaporates. On cooling, explosive material particles substantially entirely encapsulated in wax are obtained. When warm or after cooling, aluminum powder can be mixed with the desensitized material. As little as 1% of added wax can improve the F of I of RDX from 73 to around 100 and the wax coating is quite stable even when the explosive is pressed, e.g. when making charges.

Abstract: Sensitive explosive materials such as RDX or HMX may be desensitized by stirring them up with micronised wax in a liquid medium, usually water. The wax is in the form of particles having a mean size of less than 20 microns, preferably less than 6 microns, and particularly preferred is a wax having a mean particle size of from 2 to 4 microns and a specific surface area of from 15000 to 30000 cm.sup.2 /cm.sup.3. Wax in this form adheres to the explosive material and even as little as 1% of wax produces significant desensitization. The invention provides a method by which, in particular, waxes of high melting and softening points which cannot be melted onto the explosives material by conventional methods, can be applied to sensitive explosives materials and thereby provide effective desensitization even at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: A high explosive composition comprising2 to 57% ammonium nitrate2 to 50% ethylenediamine dinitrate1 to 10% potassium nitrate1 to 80% nitroguanidineThese explosive compositions possess physical and explosive properties corable to those of explosive compositions based on TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene); but they are relatively insensitive and less costly to manufacture and can be loaded into projectiles with existing melt/cast loading facilities.

Abstract: The inclusion in a double base propellant of a ballistic modifier selected rom the class consisting of copper, lead, tin, and bismuth chelates of a dihydroxybenzophenone or alkoxyhydroxyphenzophenone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to double-base solid propellant mixtures whose burning characteristic is regulated by the addition of certain moderators such that the burn rates obtained are achieved independently of the temperature and pressure during the burn. This regulation is accomplished by the addition of a mixture of carbon black and cellulose acetate. The weight ratio of carbon black to cellulose acetate in this mixture is between 1:0.5 and 1:10. Depending on the composition of the solid propellant, the combustion of the rocket fuel can be regulated by regulating this mixture within the stated limits such that it takes place independently of temperature and pressure. The amount of the carbon black and cellulose acetate mixture present in the fuel can vary between 0.2 and 6% by weight; the carbon black is contained in the propellants of the invention in amounts between 0.05 and 1.0% by weight.

Abstract: A process for promoting the oxidation of an explosive-containing mixture or a pyrotechnical mixture involves utilizing zinc peroxide as the sole or predominant oxidant in the mixture. Preferably the zinc peroxide has an available oxygen content of more than 12.3% by weight.

Abstract: Self-supporting water-bearing explosive products, e.g., for use as primers and in blasting and seismic charges, contain discrete cells of an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt and/or of an amine salt encapsulated by a crosslinked (thermoset) resin matrix. The products are sensitized by a dispersed solid high explosive and/or gas bubbles or voids. Preferred primers are sensitized by PETN and are rigid. The products are made by crosslinking a liquid polymer in the continuous phase of an emulsion which contains the aqueous solution as a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1,500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a getter additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds capable of chemically reacting with free radicals or ions under shock initiation conditions of 2,000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less of energy fluence.

Abstract: A novel composite explosive comprised of conventional explosive material and a mixture of boron and at least one other metal is disclosed. The other metal must be capable of exothermically reacting with boron to produce intermetallic compound and an energy release of at least about 1.0 kcal/gm. In a preferred embodiment of the composite explosive, pellets of a stoichiometric mixture of boron and titanium are mixed with cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX). By mixing the boron and at least one other metal which forms an intermetallic compound with boron in an exothermic reaction wherein the heat energy release is at least about 1.0 kcal/gm and adding a conventional explosive material to the mixture, there is an improved method of forming a mass of hot or molten particles in an environment when the conventional explosive is detonated.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a donor additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds which when subjected to an energy fluence of 1000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less is capable of releasing free radicals each having a molecular weight between 1 and 120. Exemplary donor additives are dibasic acids, polyamines and metal hydrides.

Abstract: Explosive materials in granular or other finely divided form are distributed in pourable silicone rubber with acetic acid added as a catalyst.

Abstract: A permanently tacky slurry type explosive comprises polyisobutylene containing a balanced fuel explosive phase in the form of an explosive material in particulate condition (ammonium nitrate, PETN, RDX and the like) and a minor amount of a carbon fuel (oil or carbon particles).

Abstract: The addition of monobasic cupric .beta.-resorcylate to a double base propant plasticized by only nitrate esters having primary nitroxy groups in order to obtain a plateau burning characteristic.

Abstract: Clean burning, non-self extinguishing propellant compositions for use in hybrid automotive air bag systems are disclosed. The propellant compositions are based on a mixture of a crystalline nitramine propellant, an energetic or non-energetic binder and one or a combination of an oxidizing propellant and an energetic plasticizer.