Abstract: An insensitive high energy explosive is disclosed which can be processed on high speed loading equipment without significant buildup of explosive material on the tooling of the high speed loading equipment. The insensitive high energy explosive comprises (a) from about eighty to about ninety-six percent (80.0 to 96.0%) by weight of a high energy explosive chosen from the group comprising cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX), cyclotrimethylylene trinitramine (RDX), or hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20); (b) from about two and four-tenths to about twelve percent (2.4 to 12.0%) by weight of an energetic plasticizer, preferably a 1:1 mixture of BIS 2,2-Dintropropylacetate and BIS 2,2-Dinitropropyl formal (BDNPA/F); (c) from about one and six-tenths to about eight percent (1.6 to 8.0%) by weight CAB binder system; and, (d) about one half of one percent (0.5%) fluorocarbon additive, preferable a Teflon-type additive commercially available under the Trade name Zonyl® MP 1100.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining workpiece made of an explosive material, the apparatus including: a drive system and a cutting tool assembly for cutting a workpiece made of an explosive material; an elongate member carried by, and projecting along an axis from, the drive system for holding the workpiece at a machining location while being rotated about the axis by the drive system; and a first shield element interposed between the machining location and the drive system for protecting the drive system against damage in the event of explosion of the workpiece.