Abstract: Provided is a high pressure polymorph of croconic acid. The high pressure polymorph of croconic acid has an unexpectedly high energy release and is suitable for use in detonable compositions. The high pressure polymorph of croconic acid is recoverable to ambient conditions and exhibits only a modest increase in density but a greatly improved energy release.

Abstract: Provided is a high pressure polymorph of croconic acid. The high pressure polymorph of croconic acid has an unexpectedly high energy release and is suitable for use in detonable compositions. The high pressure polymorph of croconic acid is recoverable to ambient conditions and exhibits only a modest increase in density but a greatly improved energy release.

Abstract: A method for estimating the detonation performance of a material is executed by first preparing a small sample of the material to be tested. That sample is lased with a laser beam having sufficient energy to induce a plasma from a portion of the sample and to produce a shock wave, without detonation of the sample. The velocity of the shock wave is then measured at different times. And a characteristic shock velocity determined for the material based on the relationship between shock velocity and time. The characteristic shock velocity represents the velocity of the shock wave at the point in time when the shock front expands freely without additional energy input from the plasma or subsequent chemical reactions. The characteristic shock velocity can be used to determine whether a material is non-energetic or energetic; if it is energetic, the estimated detonation performance can be determined.

Abstract: A method for estimating the detonation performance of a material is executed by first preparing a small sample of the material to be tested. That sample is lased with a laser beam having sufficient energy to induce a plasma from a portion of the sample and to produce a shock wave, without detonation of the sample. The velocity of the shock wave is then measured at different times. And a characteristic shock velocity determined for the material based on the relationship between shock velocity and time. The characteristic shock velocity represents the velocity of the shock wave at the point in time when the shock front expands freely without additional energy input from the plasma or subsequent chemical reactions. The characteristic shock velocity can be used to determine whether a material is non-energetic or energetic; if it is energetic, the estimated detonation performance can be determined.