Abstract: Provided are fire-fighting foam concentrate compositions incorporating multiple dye indicator agents, fire-fighting foams formed from said compositions, and to methods for evaluating fire-fighting foam concentrates. The compositions are useful as a complex anti-counterfeiting system and also allow for the differentiation of different types of authentic concentrates.

Abstract: A low-cost, reliable and easy to use kit for neutralizing surface exposed landmine and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian demining is provided. The kit contains a liquid fuel and a solid/soluble fuel. Both fuels are premeasured in separate, sealed containers. The addition of a small quantity of solid/soluble fuel into the liquid creates an explosive. The resulting mixture is capable of detonating with a standard No. 8 blasting cap. The solid/soluble fuel can be in the form of a powder, tablet, or its saturated solution in water. The solid/soluble fuel is hexamethylenetetramine. The liquid fuel, nitromethane, is provided in premeasured quantities. User is provided instructions for choosing the appropriate quantity of liquid fuel, the corresponding solid/soluble fuel required, the method of mixing, placement and detonation of the kits. Also disclosed is a simple wooden stand to hold the bottle of explosive in place.

Abstract: A new approach to scabbling of surfaces of structural materials is disclosed. A layer of mildly energetic explosive composition is applied to the surface to be scabbled. The explosive composition is then detonated, rubbleizing the surface. Explosive compositions used must sustain a detonation front along the surface to which it is applied and conform closely to the surface being scabbled. Suitable explosive compositions exist which are stable under handling, easy to apply, easy to transport, have limited toxicity, and can be reliably detonated using conventional techniques.

Abstract: Explosives simulants that include non-explosive components are disclosed that facilitate testing of equipment designed to remotely detect explosives. The simulants are non-explosive, non-hazardous materials that can be safely handled without any significant precautions. The simulants imitate real explosives in terms of mass density, effective atomic number, x-ray transmission properties, and physical form, including moldable plastics and emulsions/gels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for displaying (simulating) grayscale images on a monochrome LCD screen particularly with an objective of providing a comfortable displaying effect that presents no blinking of dots to the user's eyes. In the method, the grayscale image is divided into a sequence of pages of image data each having an array of dots equal to the resolution of the grayscale image such that each pixel on the grayscale image corresponds to a sequence of dots respectively on the corresponding location on the N-1 pages of image data. Black and white colors are assigned to the dots in accordance with a color assignment algorithm that allows the black and white colors to be evenly distributed. When the pages are displayed in succession at a fast rate on the monochrome screen to simulate grayscale image, the black dots or white dots appear evenly on each page so that blinking of dots would not present to the user's eyes.

Abstract: Ergols, particularly for propelling missiles, containing at least one oxidant, a fuel and an energy-releasing binder. The oxidant is selected from the group which includes a nitroformate of a nitrogen compound, particularly hydrazinium or ammonium nitroformate, and a perchlorate of a nitrogen compound, particularly nitronium or ammonium perchlorate. The fuel is selected from the group which includes boron and boranes, aluminium and aluminium hydribe. The energy-releasing binder is selected from the group which includes polyglycidyl nitrate, polyglycidyl azide, polynitromethoxymethyloxetane and poly-3,3bis(azidomethyl)oxetane. Said ergols are particularly useful for propelling aerospace missiles, particularly rockets.

Abstract: A chemical energy system is formed for producing detonations in a confined environment. An explosive mixture is formed from nitromethane (NM) and diethylenetriamine (DETA). A slapper detonator is arranged adjacent to the explosive mixture to initiate detonation of the mixture. NM and DETA are not classified as explosives when handled separately and can be safely transported and handled by workers in the field. In one aspect of the present invention, the chemicals are mixed at a location where an explosion is to occur. For application in a confined environment, the chemicals are mixed in an inflatable container to minimize storage space until it is desired to initiate an explosion. To enable an inflatable container to be used, at least 2.5 wt % DETA is used in the explosive mixture. A barrier is utilized that is formed of a carbon composite material to provide the appropriate barrel geometry and energy transmission to the explosive mixture from the slapper detonator system.

Abstract: High solids pressable explosive compositions containing a liquid energetic polymer and a high performance explosive oxidizer are disclosed. The pressable explosive compositions contain a solids content between 91 and 99 weight percent, with an energetic polymer content less than 9 weight percent. The energetic polymer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 10,000, determined using a polystyrene standard, sufficient to use the polymer precipitation technique in preparing the pressable explosive compositions. Chain-extended PGN (polyglycidyl nitrate) is a preferred energetic polymer. The pressable explosives disclosed herein produce extremely high detonation pressure, high detonation velocity, and excellent metal accelerating capability.

Abstract: Process for the formulation of a multi-component explosive composition from non-detonable components comprising a defined body of unconsolidated particulate aluminum fuel granules and an oxidizing liquid. Specific particulate aluminum fuel has an average particle size within the range of about 1/64-1/4 inch and is packed within a container or other confining structure to provide an average bulk density within the range of 0.2-1.0 gm/cc. The aluminum fuel particles are generally wadded-up aluminum foil granules. The oxidizing liquid added to the body of aluminum fuel fills the void space between granules of aluminum entrapping some voids within the granules to provide an average bulk density of the mixture of oxidizing liquid and particulate aluminum within the of 1.2-1.7 gm/cc, creating an explosive, formulation which is detonable in a diameter of 4 inches at 20.degree. C. by a one pound pentolite booster and normally by a 1/2 pound pentolite booster.

Abstract: 2,2,4,4,6,6-hexamitroadamantane and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A propellent medium for a barreled weapon with electrically-supported liquid propulsion, especially for chemical-electrical hybrid drives with regenerative propellent medium injection. Organic compounds of a combination of carbon and hydrogen are contemplated in a ratio with one or more reactive groups which, with a good exothermic reaction of the propellent medium (hydrocarbon), will facilitate the dissociation of molecules or atoms of lower molecular mass. Hereby, a propellent medium component can be formed from charged hydrocarbon ring systems including reactive groups.

Abstract: An explosive composition of matter comprising nitromethane and picric acid. n a preferred embodiment of the invention commercially available picric acid containing up to 10 percent water by weight is added to the nitromethane up to saturation at room temperature.

Abstract: A blasting agent is disclosed for use in a borehole having a pressure resistant closure. The blasting agent is used in combination with a primary initiating system comprised of a detonator and an initiator for the detonator. The blasting agent is preferably a semi-fluid explosive material having a predetermined sensitivity. The sensitivity is related to the borehole diameter and the initiating system's strength, wherein the blasting agent upon initiation is transformed into explosive products by means of reaction front which consumes substantially all the blasting agent as the reaction front passes through the blasting agent. The reaction front has an average velocity of propagation of between 200 meters/second and 1,000 meters/second for at least 30% of the total length of blasting agent located in the borehole. Another aspect of the invention is a method of blasting wherein the average velocity of propagation of the explosive front in the blasting agent is in a range of between 200 m/sec and 1,000 m/sec.

Abstract: A liquid propellant for use in a propellant medium combustion chamber of a gun barrel weapon. The liquid propellant is completely decomposed and its combustion velocity is adjusted to the requirements of the weapon and projectile so as to provide a preponderantly oscillation-free plateau-like gas pressure development curve. The liquid propellant consist of a monergolic or nonhypergolic liquid propellant substance which includes up to 40% by weight of additives, preferably in the form of inhibitors. As starting material there are used aliphatic compositions, preferably nitrated alcanes or nitrates of alcanes, for example, isopropylinitrate or nitromethane. As inhibitors for moderating the burning there are used alcohols, such as methylalcohol or isopropylalcohol, which are admixed to the starting material.

Abstract: Water-containing explosives, such as emulsions, slurries and water gels, are sensitized in their emulsion (concentrate) phases with sensitizing energy release agents based on nitroalkanes and nitroalkane blends including arene coupling agents. The sensitizing energy release agents are miscible with the concentrate phase and remain stable therein.

Abstract: A chemically sensitized dry explosive is provided, which can be used as a blasting agent, per se, or can be used in the production of a wide variety of explosive compositions. The compositions are typically manufactured from an unstable emulsion explosive and have a chemical sensitizer in either the continuous or discontinuous phase. The compositions are characterized in that they comprise 5 to 30% water in the discontinuous phase after crystallization of the composition.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises a nitroalkane compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anhydride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anyhdride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a foamable fluid explosive composition which is capable of being projected over suspect terrain to form a continuous blanket of explosive foam which may be detonated by conventional means. The novel fluid explosive composition comprises______________________________________ a suitable liquid foamable explosive 57-98%/w a suitable liquid emulsifier 2-6%/w a suitable stabilizer 0-5%/w a suitable thickener 0-7%/w a sensitizer 0-5%/w energy enhancer/inert metals 0-20%/w ______________________________________wherein the amounts of ingredients are expressed as percent by weight of the composition, excepting the sensitizer which is expressed as percent by weight of the explosive. The same fluid explosive composition is adapted for aerosol delivery by including a suitable compressed liquified gas as propellant.

Abstract: A detonating energy transmittal device is provided which, when combined with even relatively low-power blasting caps, is capable of promoting and initiating the explosive detonation of liquid nitromethane, which device comprises a plurality of layers of foam material, an effective amount of frangible articles carried on at least one surface of the foam material layers and forming thereon a substantially continuous layer intermediate the adjacent foam material layer, and a cavity capable of accommodating a blasting cap and of placing said blasting cap in intimate contact with said plurality of foam material layers. Methods for detonating fluid explosives also are provided.

Abstract: A method of combining explosive compositions prepared from commercially available nitric acid and a common industrial solvent is disclosed herein which exhibits exceedingly high blasting strengths. The compositions are relatively more stable than conventional shaped charge explosives such as HMX or RDX and far less expensive. The compositions are transported separately to the blasting site where the compositions are combined in ambient temperature for immediate use.

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: An arming fuze for ordnance type munitions having but one movable part comprising a solvent desensitized liquid explosive contained in a ported (ventilated) cavity that is normally sealed by a sleeve. Upon movement of the sleeve and exposure of the liquid explosive within the cavity to the air, the liquid explosive loses a volatile solvent, the desensitizing agent, and becomes progressively more sensitive. A first embodiment is that of an inertia armed nose fuze for a projectile wherein the desensitized liquid explosive is enclosed in the cavity in a porous solid matrix. Upon rapid acceleration, as when the projectile is fired, the sleeve undergoes set-back thereby exposing the porous matrix to a violent slip stream of air and to a strong desiccating action. The liquid explosive rapidly loses solvent to the air, rapidly becoming more sensitive whereby it is impact sensitive by the time impact on the target occurs.

Abstract: A granulated blasting agent composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane having of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, a density improver selected from the group consisting of wheat flour and bentonite and polyoxyethylene ether as a thickening agent for the nitroalkane in an amount sufficient to prevent migration of the nitroalkane from the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: Explosive compositions prepared from commercially available nitric acid and a common industrial solvent are disclosed herein which exhibit exceedingly high blasting strengths. The compositions are relatively more stable than conventional shaped charge explosives such as HMX or RDX and far less expensive.

Abstract: An explosive, water-in-oil type emulsion composition comprising an aqueous phase of from 70-90% by weight comprising water 10-30%, oxidizing salt 50-75%, an oil phase 5-20%, an air entrapping material 1-5% and an emulsifying agent 1-5%. Nitropropanes constitute all or a portion of the fuel component.

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: An explosive composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane, a sensitizer, and an oxidizable fuel.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions containing (e) nitromethane gelatinized product obtained by mixing nitromethane with a gelatinizer for nitromethane and (f) hollow microspheres and/or (g) bubbles formed from a chemical foaming agent in a water-in-oil emulsion composition consisting of (a) ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate and the other inorganic oxidizer salts, (b) water, (c) an oil and/or wax and (d) a sorbitan fatty acid ester surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid explosive composition comprising 2 to 40 weight percent of formamide, 2 to 40 weight percent of alcohol, 3 to 70 weight percent of nitroparaffin and 10 to 80 weight percent of a metal salt of perchloric acid and to a gelled explosive composition comprising the above components, 2 to 20 weight percent of an organic thickening agent and/or 1 to 15 weight percent of an aerating agent. The present invention is also concerned with a method of producing the explosive compositions of the character mentioned above.

Abstract: A liquid monopropellant, suitable as a gun propellant, is obtained from a quid composition comprising from about 70 to about 95 weight percent of a liquid nitrated organic compound and from about 5 to 30 weight percent of a diester represented by the formula ROOC(CH.sub.2).sub.n COOR wherein R represents an alkyl of 3 to 5 carbon atoms and n is either 5 or 7.

Abstract: A blasting agent comprising ammonium nitrate, fuel, a nitroalkane and bentonite as a thickening agent.

Abstract: A water-gel explosive comprising ammonium nitrate alone or in admixture with other inorganic oxidized acid salt, water, nitroparaffin having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a gelatinizing agent for water, a gelatinizing agent for nitroparaffin, glass hollow microspheres and an amide has a high initiation sensitivity even at low temperature.

Abstract: An improved process for producing explosive gel compositions is provided wherein a polymeric thickening agent is dispersed in an aqueous medium and a nitroparaffin is added thereafter to form dispersed globules of nitroparaffin gel within the aqueous medium. Gelling agents for the aqueous medium, fuels and non-explosive sensitizing material can then be added to form an explosive gel with excellent storage and detonation capabilities.

Abstract: An economical and effective explosive composition is manufactured by combining appropriate proportions of activated ammonium nitrate, a fuel and preferably a sensitizer. The preferred fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon derivative or a liquid or solid hydrocarbon derivative which is soluble in the sensitizer and which has a fuel value greater than that of the sensitizer. The preferred sensitizers are nitroalkane, or dinitroaromatic compounds most preferably nitromethane. The explosive composition is made more effective through an activation procedure upon the ammonium nitrate. The ammonium nitrate utilized with the present invention is in the form of prills, porous spherical pellets. These prills can be activated by adding a small amount of water to the prills, thoroughly mixing the water so that it is all absorbed, heating the prills to an elevated temperature, evaporating the water from the prills, and then preferably cooling the prills.

Abstract: Explosive compositions, sensitive to a number six blasting cap, comprise a liquid, highly combustible fuel and supported air entrapment material in an amount such that from about one to about 95 volume percent of the total explosive mixture is air.

Abstract: A low gamma gas is dissolved in n-propyl nitrate for desensitization purps.

Abstract: A nitrate or nitroparaffin-base liquid exlosive composition having a small critical diameter yet which is essentially free of particulate metals such as may render such compositions unduly brisant or susceptible to decomposition, and which is consistent with the safety requirements of geological fracturing, including an inert solid ballistic modifier having a sonic velocity substantially different from that of the explosive material in the composition and an average particle size of less than 10 microns, forming from about 5% to 20% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method for producing water gel explosives by stabilizing a dispersion of nitroparaffin, preferably nitromethane, in an aqueous oxidizer salt solution through the simultaneous in situ gelation of the nitromethane dispersed phase and the continuous external aqueous phase, and the product so produced.

Abstract: A method for producing water gel explosives by solubilizing a nitroparaffin sensitizer having 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably nitromethane, in an aqueous oxidizer perchlorate salt solution by incorporating in the composition a nitroparaffin solubilizing agent, such as ethylene glycol, and the product so produced.

Abstract: A self-sterilising liquid explosive composition comprising liquid nitroparaffin, for example nitromethane, sensitised with hydrazine and containing diethylenetriamine as a delayed action sterilising agent.

Abstract: A method for priming nitromethane to strong shock which comprises immersing in said nitromethane an open-celled polymeric foam and a blasting cap in close contact with said polymeric foam.

Abstract: A capsulated explosive composition comprising a high molecular weight compound forming the capsule wall and an explosive forming the core is high in power and low in sensitivity and vapor pressure, and can be easily handled.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising an inorganic oxidizing acid salt, water, a combustible material, a thickener, a nitroparaffin and an amide is very sensitive and stable, and can be detonated at low temperature without the use of primer.

Abstract: 1. Novel thixotropic, monopropellant compositions comprising a mixture of a solid fuel selected from the group consisting of inorganic phosphides, phosphide alloys and mixtures of these inorganic phosphides and phosphide alloys, a liquid oxidizer selected from the group consisting of nitric acid, nitric acid enriched with NO.sub.2, nitric acid enriched with NO.sub.2 and HF, nitrogen tetroxide, hydrogen peroxide, perchloryl fluoride, tetrafluorohydrazine, tetranitro methane and perchloric acid, and a thixotropic agent selected from the group consisting of particulated carbon and silica.