Mild Detonating Cord (MDC)


Product Description

PacSci EMC has manufactured millions of feet of linear explosive products over decades of continuous production. We manufacture Mild Detonating Cord sheathed in a variety of materials for major oil and gas service providers. Our MDC is typically drawn or extruded into a round configuration. It can be rolled into an elliptical or flat ribbon shape, supporting complex needs. Our detonating cords can be further sheathed in metal tubes making it possible for the MDC to operate in temperatures of up to 500°F for 50 hours.

Key Features

Mild Detonating Cord Functions

MDC is normally manufactured in core loads ranging from 2.5 grains per foot (162 mg) to 100 plus grains per foot.  The sheath materials, a continuous seamless construction, commonly used are tin, lead, aluminum and silver.  The explosive core materials used are RDX, HNS, PETN, CH-6, HMX, and PBX-N5.  We also have the capability to load unique explosive materials customers have the require loading into and MDC / MDF configuration.

In MDC / MDF, the detonation is defined as an exothermic reaction (explosion) that propagates beyond the velocity of sound.  Mild Detonating Cord in most configurations will rupture when fired unless outer layers of fiberglass, Kevlar, tubing or steel braiding are added for partial or full containment.  For added mechanical strength and environmental protection, the smaller diameter MDC sizes can be encased with polyethylene or nylon plastics.  This will add approximately .01-inch wall thickness to the total cross-section.

We use established standard acceptance testing for all MDC it manufactures including core load, moisture analysis, detonation velocity and dimensional checks.  We also use its standards in conjunction with or in additional to customers testing levels and sampling, as appropriate.

Shipping MDC / MDF is dependent on its final configuration. If being sent to customer on a spool the ends are adhesive sealed first to ensure no adverse effects on the explosive core.  It is normally rolled on 12 to 24 inch spools.  Shipping classifications will be dependent on the final product being shipped and classification approval by the appropriate agencies.

Benefits of our MDC/MDFB

  • Long continuous lengths to transfer an explosive signal from one device to another.
  • Adjust the amount of explosive to the size appropriate for the intended event, big or small
  • Use different explosive and sheath materials to account for different environmental and platform interfacing challenges (i.e. temperature, diameter, shock, flexibility, etc.)
  • Flexibility or semi-rigid design allows shaping for routing MDC/MDF or one of its next higher assemblies into simple or complex platforms/applications
  • MDC/MDF can be used as a raw product or in next higher assemblies & components (Design application flexibility)

Reliability

The reliability of our Mild Detonating Cord (or Mild Detonating Fuze) to detonate over its entire length after proper initiation is estimated at greater than .9999 at 90% confidence level. This high level of inherent reliability can be enhanced in system application through the use of multiple (redundant) paths using similar cord.

Applications

A large portion of MDC / MDF manufactured at PSEMC is loaded into higher assemblies and components used in multiple aircraft, missile, munition, space and commercial applications.

Detonating Explosive Transfer Lines (ETLs)
Aircraft, Missiles, Space & Oil/Gas

Expanding Tube Assembly (XTAs)
Aircraft, Missiles & Space

  • Emergency Canopy Release Lines (ECRLs)
  • Stage Separation Assembly
  • Underwater Severance Assembly
  • ETRS Ring

Canopy Fracturing Assemblies
Window Cutting Assemblies (WCAs)
Skin Severance Assemblies (SSA)
Gun Conical Charge Initiation Cord
Munition/Weapon Initiation

SYSTEMS/SUB-SYSTEMS

Aircraft Emergency Escape Systems (EES)
including:

Explosive Signal Transfer Network
Payload Deployment System
Satellite Placement System
Stage Separation System
Flight Termination System (FTS)

Specifications

  • Operating Temperature Range
    -65 °F (-54 °C) to +350 °F (+176.67 °C)
  • Shock
    1400g @ 10,000Hz (and per vehicle environments)
  • Vibration
    33.5Grms (and per vehicle environments)
  • Output
    Detonation – sized for 150% vehicle motor case thickness
    Penetration > 1.5 inch steel available
  • Application Specifications
    EWR-127
    RCC319-14

Interface

Core Load Grains*/Ft“A” Diameter (inches)Weight/Ft

  • 2.5 – 3.5
  • 20 – 25
  • 50 – 60
  • 100 – 120
  • .070
  • .140
  • .240
  • .315
  • .012 lb/ft
  • .037 lb/ft
  • .093 lb/ft
  • .190 lb/ft

*1 grain = .064 grams

 

FAQ's

  • What is mild detonating cord?

    Mild Detonating Cord is a metal clad linear explosive usually drawn or extruded in a round configuration.  It can be rolled into an elliptical or flat ribbon shape based on customer requirements.

  • How does detonating cord work?

    In MDC / MDF, the detonation is defined as an exothermic reaction (explosion) that propagates beyond the velocity of sound.  Mild Detonating Cord in most configurations will rupture when fired unless outer layers of fiberglass, Kevlar, tubing or steel braiding are added for partial or full containment.  For added mechanical strength and environmental protection, the smaller diameter MDC sizes can be encased with polyethylene or nylon plastics.

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