PROPERTIES OF SELECTED HIGH EXPLOSIVES

Abstract

This paper was presented at the 27th International Pyrotechnics Seminar, 16 – 21 July 2000 in Grand Junction, CO., and is an update on the PEP-I Wall Chart that was presented at the Eighteenth International Pyrotechnics Seminar, July 1992, at Breckenridge, CO. The descriptive text has not changed. The Wall Chart has been corrected and updated with chemical symbols of the explosives. An Appendix of Engineering Tools has been added.


There is a need in the pyrotechnic, explosive, and propellant engineering and scientific community to compile the energetic material property and characteristic data for a single point reference. The objective of this paper is to fulfill that need for the properties and characteristics of selected high explosives of interest to the defense and aerospace industry. The information is collected from published literature and compiled for easy access in data sheet and wall chart format. Members of the engineering and scientific community of all disciplines are invited for input to the development of the knowledge base that is represented. Equally important to presenting the data is to identify the source as reference, which is listed at the end of this paper. This paper is updated periodically to include recent changes.

Explosives referenced in MIL-STD-1316 are discussed together with common secondary explosives:

All the ‘Compositions’, and PBXN-6, and CYCLOTOL are RDX based; PBXN-5, and OCTOL is HMX based; XTX-8003 is PETN based; The ‘TOLs’ (CYCLOTOL and OCTOL) contain TNT as a second ingredient. TETRYL is no longer manufactured and is being phased out as a MIL-STD-1316 explosive. DATB and TATB are explosives with limited published literature found to be available.

Explosive properties and characteristics of interest are discussed:

Result
This paper supports the first of the proposed Wall Chart series “International Pyrotechnics Society Properties of Selected High Explosives: “PEP-I” (42). The IPS “PEP-I” Wall Chart was presented at the poster session of this seminar.

Conclusion (Disclaimer)
Although much work has been done to identify the properties and characteristics of PEP, the author has found many ambiguities in the technical literature which do not satisfy scientific inquiry. It is hoped that with the help of the PEP community there will be enough interest to fill the gaps in the scientific discipline. The literature referenced at the end of this document also includes literature not quoted in this paper but is of interest for further inquiry.

Introduction

To be classified as an explosive, a material must:

1. Satisfy basic conditions with respect to its rate of chemical reaction.
2. The reaction must not take place until a suitable initiation stimulus is applied.
3. The reaction must be violent; there must be complete or nearly complete conversion into gaseous products.
4. The reaction must be exothermic.
5. The reaction must be self-sustaining without requirement for an external oxygen source or energy, such as heat, except that necessary to initiate the reaction.

The pressure produced by an explosion is due to the gases evolved and is dependent on their volume and temperature. The work potential of an explosive depends primarily upon the quantity of heat given off in the reaction.

CLASSES OF INTRODUCTION

According to their chemical reaction rate and resulting output characteristics, explosives are classified as low explosives and high explosives. There is no sharp line of demarcation between the two classes, and within each class there may be explosives of considerably different performance, since they are grouped only according to reaction rate. Low explosives, which deflagrate (burn) rather than detonate and propagate at velocities 1,000 meters per second (m/s) and less, include the propellants, pyrotechnics and initiating or primer explosives.

Examples are nitrocellulose, double base powder, smokeless powder, black powder, cordite and the metal oxidizer mixtures. Explosives which detonate and propagate at velocities greater than 1000 m/s, are high explosives and include the secondary explosives RDX, HMX, HNS, DIPAM, TETRYL, DATB, TATB, PETN, TNT, most of their compositions, and the primary explosives lead azide and lead styphnate. This paper will not discuss the primary explosives.

Definitions

It is necessary for comprehension of further discussion to define terms as they apply in this document.

Properties:
Properties of explosives reported herein are measurable physical attributes typical of a single crystal of an explosive material. Chemical Composition, Density, Crystal Hardness, Auto Ignition Temperature, Critical Temperature, Melt Point, Decomposition Temperature, Gas Volume, Temperature of Detonation, Vacuum Stability, Hygroscopicity, Heat of Combustion, Heat of Reaction, Heat of Formation, Heat of Products of Detonation are categorized as properties of an explosive. The term properties shall mean to include explosive characteristics in this manuscript.

Characteristics:
The characteristic of an explosive is an attribute measured as a performance value after or during the chemical reaction. Detonation Velocity, Detonation Pressure, Velocity of Detonation Formulae, Shock Sensitivity, Laser Initiation Sensitivity, TNT Equivalency, Brisance, Impact and Friction are categorized as characteristics.

Explosives (36):
Compositions or mixtures of materials, which are capable of undergoing exothermic chemical reaction at extremely, fast rates to produce gaseous and/or solid reaction products at high pressure and temperature.

High Explosives (36):
High explosives are those in which the chemical reaction, which has been initiated by heat or shock, will propagate at detonation velocities. The result simulates an instantaneous release of the products of explosion. This is termed detonation, or high-order explosion, to differentiate it from low-order explosions, such as the rapid combustion of pyrotechnics and propellants. The products of combustion of high explosives produce extremely high temperatures (e.g. RDX 3600°K (8)), large quantities of gas and some solids. High explosives can be controlled to deflagrate and as such can be used as propellants.

Detonation (20):
If the propagation velocity of the reaction wave is greater than the velocity of sound in the unreacted material, the wave is said to be a detonation wave and its velocity of propagation is called detonation velocity. The mechanism of detonation is not definitely known, although various hypotheses have been advanced to account for the phenomenon. It is generally agreed that the energy responsible for the extremely rapid decomposition is propagated through an explosive in the form of a mechanical or shock wave, somewhat similar to a sound wave. The wave may be initiated by mechanical or thermal shock sufficient to cause hydrodynamic compression of the first increment or layer of the charge. The energy liberated reinforces the applied shock so that a self-sustaining shock wave is transmitted at high velocity throughout the explosive preceding the reaction zone. Thus, high explosives are characterized essentially by their rapid rate of decomposition when initiated, and by the resultant high rate of energy release.
The speed of the detonation wave, or the velocity of detonation, varies considerably in the various explosives, and may vary in a given explosive under different conditions. For example, under similar conditions of confinement, trinitrotoluene (TNT) and nitroglycerin detonate at rates of 6,800 and 8,400 meters per second, respectively. The degree of confinement will affect these rates somewhat, but not to the same extent as in the low explosives.

Low Explosives (36):
There are two categories of low explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants. Both have chemical reactions, which deflagrate.

Deflagration (36):
If the propagation velocity is less than the velocity of sound in the unreacted material, the reaction is said to be a deflagration and its velocity of propagation is referred to as burn rate.

Pyrotechnics (36):
A pyrotechnic is a mixture of ingredients of fuel and oxidant (e.g. BKNO3) producing a chemical reaction occurring at a burn rate typically less than 1000 meters per sec (m/s). The reaction does not reach sonic velocities in the unreacted material; therefore, does not produce a detonation. However, under very specific conditions; some pyrotechnics can be made to detonate. The products of combustion primarily produce very hot burning solid particles leaving considerable solid residue behind. There is very little gas generated by pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnics are generally used to produce heat and color in the form of light and smoke.

Propellants (36):
A propellant can be a compound or a mixture of a pyrotechnic material and high explosive (e.g. Ammonium Perchlorate and HMX) producing a chemical reaction (burn rate) typically less than 1000 m/s, and in rocket propellants often measured in centimeters per second. The reaction does not reach sonic velocities in the unreacted material therefore, does not produce a detonation. Propellants are designed for controlled burning rates producing large quantities of gas at elevated temperature and pressure. However, under very specific conditions, propellants can be made to detonate.

Properties & Characteristics

Density (36)

Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD):
TMD is mass per unit volume of a single crystal of the explosive. TMD is sometimes referred to as the ‘Crystal Density’.

Bulk Density:
The bulk density of an explosive is the mass per unit of volume as manufactured, which includes voids. A sample specimen consists of an explosive loosely poured into a graduated cylinder. The cylinder is filled with the specimen sample by gravity feed to the 100-ml level. The cylinder is then tapped on the side a fixed number of times (typically 5 times) to eliminate particle-bridging creating large voids. This value is useful in determining burn rate of the bulk material during certain manufacturing processes.

Loaded Density:
The loaded density value is the mass per unit volume relative to the loaded end item. Loading density is expressed in units of grams per cubic centimeter at pounds per square inch. Loaded density is the design parameter that is used to predict the velocity of detonation (VOD). As the loading density of an explosive increases, the VOD also increases up to about 98% TMD. At loaded density above 98% TMD, there is a condition which will cause the initiation threshold to drastically increase; this is referred to as “Dead Pressing”.

Autoignition Temperature (36):
The Autoignition Temperature of an explosive is the temperature at which a material will react when the specimen begins to liberate heat due to self-heating. This is accomplished by placing a sample in an automatically controlled environment. Temperature is increased at a controlled rate until the sample material begins to liberate heat. When self-heating occurs, no additional oven temperature is allowed to enter the sample. The reported value is usually less than the value reported for decomposition temperature. The autoignition temperature is a critical value when comparing various explosives. The values reported may vary as a function of the type of oven used or control method of the oven. The rate of heat applied by the oven should be less than 0.1° C per minute when self-heating occurs. Autoignition temperature may be determined by calculation from decomposition temperature results obtained by a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) or a Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA).

Cast Density (36):
The ability of an explosive to be melt-poured into its container is known as casting. The cast density of an explosive is measured after the explosive has cooled to a solid at ambient conditions. A casting explosive has a low melt temperature such as TNT, a binary explosive (Cyclotol, RDX/TNT), or a mixture of an explosive held in suspension by a melt carrier (Composition A-3, RDX/Wax). Casting is performed under vacuum when reduction of voids is a concern.

Crystal Hardness (30):
Mohs’ Hardness Scale — Mohs’ Harness Scale is mainly applied to nonmetallic elements and minerals. It is the standard used to determine the relative hardness of an explosive. In this hardness scale there are ten degrees or steps, each designated by a mineral, the difference in hardness of the different steps being determined by the fact that any member in the series will scratch any of the preceding members.

This scale is as follows:
M. talc; 2. Gypsum; 3. Calcite; 4. Fluorspar; 5. Apatite; 6. Orthoclase; 7. Quartz; 8. Topaz; 9. Sapphire or corundum; 10. Diamond.

These minerals, arbitrarily selected as standards, are successively harder from talc, the softest of all minerals, to diamond, the hardest. This scale, which is now universally used for non-metallic minerals, is, however, not applied to metals.

Critical Temperature (10, 20, 32):
The critical temperature using the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories (LASL) method is based on a time-to-explosion test. The explosive sample is pressed into a blasting cap shell and covered with a skirted plug. The sample is then dropped into a preheated liquid metal bath, and the time to explosion is measured as the time to the sound created by rupture of the shell or unseating of the plug. The critical temperature may be defined as the minimum temperature at which a specimen of a specified size, shape, and boundary constraint can be heated without undergoing thermal runaway or explosion. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) defines critical temperature as the temperature at which a high explosive of a given configuration self heats to explosion.

Melt Point (36):
The Melt Point of an explosive is the temperature at which a phase transition occurs from solid to liquid. The structure changes from an ordered crystalline array of molecules and atoms to a less ordered configuration. To achieve this phase-change, a certain amount of heat must be added which goes entirely into changing the phase without raising the temperature.
Explosives, which do not melt, are suspended as in ‘compositions’ with a wax or other compatible melt carrier for casting.

Decomposition Temperature (36):
Decomposition temperature is the temperature at which exothermic and endothermic reactions occur in an explosive when it is heated. The test measures the temperature difference between the explosive and a thermally inert reference material as both are heated at a constant rate of increase in temperature. A DSC or DTA detects exothermic or endothermic changes that occur in the explosive while it is being heated. These changes may be related to dehydration, decomposition, crystalline transition, melting, boiling, vaporization, polymerization, oxidation or reduction. The temperature at which the maximum differential between the sample and the reference temperature occurs before self-heating is the reported decomposition temperature value.

Gas Volume (20):
Gas volume of a specimen sample is obtained in a manner similar to heat of combustion, except that the reaction takes place in one atmosphere of air in the standard calorimeter bomb rather than in oxygen or an inert atmosphere. The sample is ignited and temperature and pressure measurements are obtained; the gas volume of the non compressible gases is calculated by standard means, and the results are given in milliliter per gram (ml/g). The transducer will also provide a rate of change from which specific pressure time values are obtained. These results, such as peak pressure and pressure rate of rise, are reported as output characteristics.

The amount of gas liberated (gas volume) is significant in determining other characteristics of a given explosive. Generally, pyrotechnic mixtures are not as gaseous as propellants or explosives. However, those mixtures, which have liberated quantities of, gas greater than 50 ml/g have a tendency to have a TNT equivalency of greater than 10%. Gas volume determination is quite useful in the determining the power of an explosive for design considerations.

Detonation Pressure (20):
Detonation pressure of an explosive is that pressure, expressed in kilobars (kbars), at the detonation front of the chemical reaction zone. The detonation pressure of a particular explosive is a function of its density.

Velocity of Detonation Formulae (20):
The formulae for measuring VOD in general is accurately represented by constants characteristic of an explosive. The constants are determined from empirical testing. Some explosives have a critical radius, which is included in the calculation.

Chronographic Method — The chronographic method is widely used. This method depends on the closing
of switches either by the conduction of hot gases between two electrodes or by the forcing together of two electrodes by the pressure induced by the detonation. Precision of the measurements depends on the number of switches or pins that is used on the charge and on the precision of the equipment.
Electronic Method — Another method, which is also entirely electronic, depends on embedding a resistance wire in the explosive. A constant current is maintained in the resistance wire and the return path, which may be a nearby embedded copper wire, a wire or foil on the surface of the charge, or a metal case if the charge is confined. The voltage across the resistance wire is recorded on an oscilloscope. This voltage decreases as the detonation moves along the wire and effectively shortens the wire. This method gives, in effect, the instantaneous position of the detonation front so that the slope of the trace on the record from the oscilloscope is proportional to the detonation velocity. A closely related technique uses a resistance wire, which is wound on an insulated wire or other conducting core.
Optical Method — A commonly used optical method makes use of the streak or smear camera to record the instantaneous position of the detonation front. Because the record gives the instantaneous location of the detonation front, the slope of the streak is proportional to the velocity. Simple data reduction techniques can be used for the application discussed here. The traces are straight so that after digitizing, the data is fitted with a linear relation, the coefficient of the time being the velocity of the detonation. This method can be made to give precise results if sufficient care is taken in preparing the charges and in arranging the experiment.

These methods are not recommended for pressed charges. The precision of either version of the resistance technique depends on the quality of the charges, the precision of making the probes, and the precision of the electronics. For smaller diameter charges, the probes and wires may perturb the detonation front so that a true value of the detonation velocity cannot be obtained.

Temperature of Detonation (10, 36):
Temperature of Detonation is the temperature of the reaction during the Chapman-Jouguet condition (detonation). The temperature is determined by measurement of relative light intensity at two different wavelengths. However, luminosity is dependent on the fourth power of temperature and a small variation in experimental conditions can cause a substantial change in luminosity and indicated temperature.

Stability Tests

Stability tests determine if a hazardous material will remain safe and retain its properties during some specified period of storage. Stability tests may be distinguished from other tests by: (l) the manner in which the stimulus is applied, (2) the rate it is applied, (3) the non-destructive nature of the test, and (4) the objective of the expected results. Usually, in stability testing the stimulus is applied for a longer duration and when heat is applied, the temperatures are below ignition levels of the suspect materials. In some cases there are no stimuli applied; instead long term storage is observed under a certain set of conditions. The expected results are not initiation, but rather changes in weight, volume of gases liberated, discoloration, evolution of oxides, and its ability to function properly after prolonged storage conditions.

Stability tests, in general, are designed to be applicable to one type of material (either: pyrotechnics, explosives, or propellants) and are not always suitable for all classes.

Because stability testing is time-consuming, it is often desirable to subject the material to conditions, which are more severe than those normally encountered during prolonged periods of storage. Specifically, two environmental factors can influence the stability of a given explosive: (l) humidity and (2) temperature. The latter receives the most attention in determining the stability of a material. In practice, the specimen material is subjected to a higher temperature than those normally encountered, and ultimately the material is tested to verify that it functions as intended at the completion of the elevated temperature study.

Vacuum Stability (20):
A temperature of 100° or 120°C generally is employed for 40 or 48 hours on a sample of dried explosive. The system is evacuated until the pressure is reduced to about five millimeters of mercury. If an excessive amount of gas (11 + milliliters/gram) is not evolved in less time, heating is continued for 40 or 48 hours. The vacuum stability test yields reproducible values; and, when an explosive is subjected to this test at two or more temperatures, a rather complete picture of its chemical stability is obtainable. In some cases, tests at two or more temperatures are required to bring out significant differences in stability between explosives, but a test at 100°C is sufficient to establish the order of stability of an explosive. The vacuum stability test has been found suitable for determining the reactivity of explosives with each other or nonexplosive materials. This is accomplished by making a vacuum stability test of the explosive and determining if the gas liberated is significantly greater than the sum of the volumes liberated by the two materials when tested separately. When used for this purpose, the test generally is made at 100°C.

Hygroscopicity (7, 20, 36):
Hygroscopicity is the determination of the amount of moisture that a given sample material will absorb in a given period under varying conditions. The sample, if solid, is prepared by sieving through a 50-mesh screen and onto a 100-mesh screen.

The values obtained under this test method are usually reported at 95% and 50% relative humidity values. The ability of a sample to absorb moisture does not necessarily negate its use in an end item. The addition of binder and waterproofing agents may be used to improve performance in this area. Sealing of the end item for storage will also reduce the amount of moisture that a given explosive can absorb. The values obtained in the hygroscopicity tests are usually obtained on bulk mixtures. This value would be highly significant for manufacturing processes where temperature and humidity conditions can be maintained during blending and filling operations. A temperature change (greater than 10° C) would not necessarily have any effect on a sealed end item if proper environmental conditioning occurred during manufacturing. Geometric parameters need to be considered when loading into an end item for long-term storage and ultimate use.

Values of less than 2% weight increase at 50% relative humidity are considered relatively good; whereas, any value greater than 2% would be fair. Values in excess of 10% weight increase at 90% relative humidity are generally considered to be poor.

Thermal Stability (20):
Samples are subjected to elevated temperatures to permit the observance of characteristic tendencies to detonate, ignite, decompose, or to undergo a change in configuration under adverse storage conditions. The sample is placed in an explosion-proof oven maintained at a predetermined temperature for a period of time (typically 48 hours). The temperature of the oven and of the explosive is continuously monitored throughout the test period. Observations recorded include whether the test specimen exploded, ignited, and/or underwent a change in configuration, such as a weight loss or change in color.

The results from this test aid in the determination of the overall classification of a bulk material. A 1% to 2% moisture loss is not considered a significant change in weight or configuration.

Heat of Combustion (20):
The heat of combustion is the gross heat in terms of calories per gram or kilocalories per mole of the explosive. The gross heat of combustion is measured by igniting samples of an explosive in an oxygen-filled (5 atmospheres) standard calorimeter bomb submerged in water, and then recording the rise in water temperature.

The heat of combustion of a pyrotechnic mixture gives an indication of heat liberation potential and explosive power potential.

Heat of Reaction (20):
The gross heat of reaction in terms of calories per gram is determined in a similar manner to the gross heat of combustion, except that the 1 to 2 g sample of explosive is burned in an inert atmosphere (nitrogen) in the same standard bomb calorimeter. Heat of reaction may be calculated using enthalpy data when the reaction products are known or assumed.

Heat of Formation (20):
The Heat of Formation refers to the enthalpy of the reaction. The sign convention is such that the heat of formation is negative when the reaction is exothermic and positive when the reaction is endothermic. The units are measured in kilocalories per mole.

Heat of Products of Detonation (10):
The Heat of Products of Detonation is the energy release at the Chapman-Jouguet (C-J) condition, and refers to the change in enthalpy and is always a negative value. Experimental values vary with density and confinement. The effective energy developed by an explosive is always less than the assumed thermodynamic energy. The reported values are expressed in both the liquid (L) and gas (G) test condition.

LASER Initiation Threshold (36):
LASER Initiation Threshold is produced by collimating and then focusing light waves and is a function of the amplitude of the wavelength of the light applied to a unit area. Laser initiation is measured in units of energy per unit area per time. EXAMPLE: Joules per square centimeter per second (J/cm2/sec). The LASER collimated beam frequency and area of incidence on the explosive for a particular experimental test is very important but is not always reported in the literature.

Shock Sensitivity Threshold (36):
Many high explosives are not readily detonated by direct application of heat or by mechanical blow, but require a shock produced by chemical reaction of the explosive itself. These are called secondary high explosives.

Shock Initiation — To shock initiate an explosive, it is necessary to send a shock into the explosive by the application of mechanical force. The initiation of the explosive is a function both of the intensity of the force and rate of application to a unit of area. Initiation of an explosive by shock is expressed in terms of shock sensitivity at a 50% threshold. A sensitive explosive may withstand a very great force applied slowly over a large surface area as in a press, but detonate violently when the same force is applied suddenly or to a much smaller surface area. Violent detonation may also occur with a suddenly applied force, such as a sharp hammer blow.

Shock initiation is measured in force per unit area (pressure) with the kilobar as the base unit and it is assumed, for practicality, that the force is applied instantaneously. Duration of force applied is also a parameter but often is omitted in the literature.

Flyer Plate (33):
Impact pressure on unreacted explosives is determined by a flyer plate device used to provide an input stimulus. The flyer plate is driven by a capacitor electrical discharge into a metal bridge foil which, when vaporized by the high current, creates tremendous pressure against a Kapton sheet supported by a barrel. The Kapton sheet shears at the barrel’s sharp inside diameter edges creating a disc (flyer plate). The flyer plate is accelerated down the barrel to impact the test explosive. The flyer velocity determines the impact pressure amplitude. The flyer thickness determines the duration of the impact pulse. When the flyer shock impedance is less than that of the explosive, the pulse is rectangular. Flyer velocity is predetermined through calibration of voltage to the capacitor(s), measuring the flyer velocity at capacitor discharge using LASER interferometry reflection off the surface of the accelerating flyer plate. Flyer velocity is not measured during actual tests.

Gap Tests — The gap test is used to measure the sensitivity of an explosive material to shock. The test results are reported as the thickness of an inert spacer material that has a 50 percent probability of allowing detonation when placed between the test explosive and a standard detonating charge. In general, the larger the spacer gap, the more shock-sensitive is the explosive under test. The values, however, depend on test size and geometry and on the sample (the particular lot, its method of preparation, its density, and percent voids). Gap test results, therefore, are only approximate indications of relative shock sensitivity. Tests have been developed covering a wide range of sensitivities for solid and liquid explosives at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Naval Surface Weapons Center (NSWC), Mason & Hanger-Silas Mason Co. Inc., Pantex Plant (PX), and Stanford Research Institute (SRI). There are many gap test geometries to be considered when making an explosive evaluation. Validity of this test as a measure of degree of hazard associated with an explosive is questionable.

TNT Equivalency (High Explosive Equivalency) (7):
The TNT Equivalency determines the ratio of the amount of energy released in a detonation reaction of a sample explosive material to the amount of energy released by TNT under the same conditions. Following are instruments for TNT comparative determinations of the performance of different explosives.

Trauzel TNT Equivalency (6):
Ten grams of the explosive sample is placed into a soft lead block (200-mm diameter by 200 mm long) borehole (25mm diameter by 125 mm deep). The remaining volume is filled with quartz sand of standard grain size. The explosive is detonated and the increased volume of the borehole is measured with water. The original volume (61 cc) is deducted from the result, recorded and is compared to a TNT (sample of the same weight) volume. Similar tests have been performed in foamed plastic.

Ballistic Mortar TNT Equivalency (6):
A heavy, short-barreled mortar is suspended on a ten-foot pendulum rod. A ten-gram explosive sample is placed in the mortar cavity, a snugly fitting solid steel projectile is inserted over the explosive, the explosive is detonated and the length of arc swing of the mortar is measured. The base standard is a recoil measurement taken of the mortar arc swing that is produced when 10 grams of TNT drives the projectile out the muzzle. Samples of test explosives are subjected to the same test and the results are recorded as the relative percent of the TNT arc swing standard.

Pendulum TNT Equivalency (36):
A weight is suspended on a pendulum, an explosive sample propels a projectile to impact the weight causing the pendulum to swing in an arc. The kinetic energy of the projectile is then calculated from the potential energy of the projectile plus the arc length of the weight at the top of the arc swing. This method is often used in measuring output of explosive devices such as thrusters, piston actuators, etc.)

Fragment Velocity (40):
Average fragment velocities are predicted using the Gurney Constant. Values are given in meters per second at the explosive density.

Brisance (7):
The term brisance refers to that quality or property of a high explosive evidenced by its capacity, upon detonation, to shatter any medium confining it. Brisance is the destructive fragmentation effect of an explosive detonation on its immediate vicinity. This property is different from that of the strength of an explosive; brisance depends greatly upon the rapidity of the reaction (density, VOD, specific energy); whereas, explosive strength depends upon the quantity of gas evolved and the heat given off.

Sand Test:
A practical method of measuring brisance is the sand crush test, in which a measured sample of explosive is detonated in sand (of 30 mesh grain size), and the shattering effect on the grains of sand is evaluated by sieving after for change in the sand grain size. The sand test is also used to determine TNT equivalency.

Dent Test:
The depth of dent (deformation) from the explosion of an explosive sample is measured in a steel (or other base standard material) block. This test is a comparative test to create a standard criterion for detonating devices. The explosive is normally loaded in its end item configuration such as detonator caps, explosive end tips, linear shaped charge, etc. The dent test is also used to determine TNT equivalency.

Gurney Constant (39):
The Gurney constant, the square root of 2E, is used to predict the average velocity of fragments produced by the detonation of explosives in contact with metals. The value of this constant may vary as much as 20% for a given explosive. The Gurney method to determine fragment velocities is based on the thermochemistry of the explosive. Gurney described E as an energy term, which was that portion of the chemical energy of the explosive that contributed to the kinetic energy of the fragment. This energy term may be more accurately correlated with the internal energy of formation than with the maximum energy available.

Sensitivity Tests

Sensitivity tests determine the minimum susceptibility of a given material to react to an externally applied energy. Sensitivity tests are abstract in view of the fact that they do not necessarily apply to output energies or application. In each case, the test is designed for a given set of externally applied energy sources to the system. The reaction may be a rapid output and the analysis may be qualitative or quantitative. Sensitivity tests do not stand alone in establishing safety criteria and parameters; rather, they determine at what energy levels a given material will react.

Impact Sensitivity (5):
Impact sensitivity determines the minimum energy at which a falling weight will cause a sample explosive material under total confinement to react violently. There are four devices used to measure impact sensitivity, (l) Bureau of Explosive Apparatus (BoE), (2) Bureau of Mines Apparatus (BoM), (3) Picatinny Arsenal Apparatus (PA), and (4) the Explosive Research Laboratory Apparatus (ERL).

* Supplementary Note:
The following discussion is relevant to the BoM and PA. Sensitivity to impact is expressed as the minimum height of fall of a given weight required to cause at least one explosion in 10 trials, or the minimum height of fall of a given weight to cause explosions in 50 percent of the trials. In such tests, the explosive is sieved so as to pass through a No. 50 United States Standard (USS) sieve and be retained on a No. 100 USS sieve. In carrying out the PA test, a steel die cup is filled with the explosive, covered with a brass cover, surmounted with a steel vented plug, placed in a positioned anvil, and subjected to the impact of a weight falling from a predetermined height. The minimum height, in inches, or centimeters, required for explosion is found after repeated trials. In making the test with the BoM apparatus, 0.02 gram of the sample is spread uniformly on a hard steel block, over a circular area one centimeter in diameter. A hard steel tip of that diameter, embedded in a steel plunger, is lowered so as to rest on the explosive and turned gently so as to ensure uniform distribution and compression of the explosive. The plunger then is subjected to the impact of a weight falling from a predetermined height. When the minimum height required for explosion is found after repeated trials, this is expressed in centimeters. The PA apparatus can be used for testing explosives having a very wide range of sensitivity, but the BoM apparatus cannot cause the explosion of the most insensitive explosives and can be used only for testing explosives no less sensitive than TNT. The PA apparatus can be used for testing solid or liquid explosives. The test with the BoM apparatus can be modified so as to be applicable to liquid explosives. This is accomplished by using 0.007 to 0.002 gram (one drop) of the explosive absorbed in a disk of dry filter paper 9.5 millimeters in diameter.

Bureau of Explosives (BoE) (5):
A series of twenty tests is performed to determine the sensitivity of the sample material to mechanical shock (impact). A 10-mg sample is placed in the test cup. A 2kg test weight is dropped from a height, of 25.4-cm (10 in.) striking the sample.

The results of the 20 tests per sample, 10 at 9. 5 cm (3 3/4 in) drop height and 10 at 25. 4 cm (10 in) drop height, are reported as the number of trials exhibiting a reaction (decomposition, deflagration, detonation) and no reaction.

Picatinny Arsenal (PA) (5):
A sample material is passed through a No. 50 USS sieve and retained on a No. 100 USS sieve. Ten previously weighed die cups are filled with the sample specimen and the excess is removed with a wooden or plastic spatula. The die cups are then reweighed and the average weight of the material in each cup recorded. A brass cover is placed over each loaded die cup and pressed down by means of a small arbor press so that the cover is in contact with the top rim of the die cup. The loaded die cup is placed in the anvil. A 1 or 2kg hammer is allowed to fall upon the sample. The up-down staircase method is used to determine the minimum height at which impact of the falling weight causes the sample material to explode in one of 10 trials.

Bureau of Mines (BoM) (5):
A 20-mg sample is placed between two flat, parallel hardened (C63 ±2) steel surfaces. The 2kg weight is raised to the desired height and allowed to fall upon the sample. The impact value is the minimum height at which at least one of 10 trials results in an explosion.

Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) (5, 20):
The ERL impact test consists of a free-falling weight, (2.5 or 5 kg) tooling to hold the explosive sample. The sample to be tested is dried, usually under vacuum, and loaded into a dimple in the center of a sheet of garnet paper for testing with Tool Type 12 (Tool Type 12B is without the garnet paper). The ERL apparatus is used as a baseline design for the impact test apparatus conducted at the Government National Laboratories (LASL, LLNL).

*Supplementary Note:
It should be noted that there are varied results between the four impact apparatus. This is primarily due to the major differences in the way that the experiments are conducted and reported. In the BoM and BoE apparatus, 10-mg samples are used, and the sample is placed between parallel flat plates. The value recorded in the BoM apparatus is the minimum drop height at which a reaction occurred; whereas, in the BoE device, the results at two specified drop heights are reported. In the PA apparatus, the sample material varies as a function of density, and the amount of material required to fill the vented or unvented cup (which can vary from 8 to 20 mg). In the ERL apparatus, the striker and anvil surfaces are roughened by sand blasting. Then, the explosive is placed on the roughened surface of the anvil. Depending on the bulk density, the sample weight varies from 30 to 40 mg. Explosives that are normally received in granular form, such as PETN, RDX, and the PBX molding powders are tested as received. Cast explosives are ground, and the test sample is a 50/50 mixture of material that passes through a No. 16 USS sieve but is retained on a No. 30 USS sieve and that which passes through a No. 30 USS sieve but is retained on a No. 50 USS sieve.

The reported value in all of the impact test methods discussed is the 50% point for a given reaction occurrence. When these factors are taken into consideration, then the results are somewhat similar. It should also be pointed out that there are almost as many different types of impact apparatus as there are test agencies, and the results from such devices may be significantly different.

Friction Sensitivity (36):
The friction pendulum test determines whether or not a given material is susceptible to initiation by a specified frictional force. The Picatinny apparatus uses a 20-kilogram shoe with an interchangeable face of steel or hard fiber attached to a pendulum. The shoe is permitted to fall from a height of one meter and sweep back and forth across a grooved steel friction anvil. The results are reported as explodes, crackles, or no effect.

Steel & Fiber Shoe (36):
A test consists of ten trials with the steel shoe, except when complete explosion or burning occurs in any trial. If explosion or burning occurs, the trials with the steel shoe are discontinued. Ten trials are made with the fiber-faced shoe only when complete explosion or burning occurs with the steel shoe, or as prescribed in the test directive. If the explosive passes the test with the steel shoe, no further trials are conducted. An explosive is regarded as passing the friction pendulum test if, in ten trials with the hard fiber-faced shoe, there is no more than an almost inaudible local crackling, regardless of its behavior when subjected to the action of the steel shoe.

This test is a “go-no-go” type test whereby a gross value is obtained. For this reason, the results are not usually applicable to a specific set of conditions. Although the test method and the steel and fiber shoes are standardized, this is not a mandatory test for classification.

Chemical Data

Select One: Composition A3 | Composition A4 | Composition A5 | Composition CH6 | PBX-9407 | PBXN-5 | PBXN-6 | DIPAM | HNS-l | HNS-ll | TETRYL | RDX | HMX | DATB | TATB | PETN | CYCLOTOL | TNT | Composition B3 | XTX-8003 | OCTOL

Composition A3 (RDX/WAX — 91/09; binary)

Density	TMD – 1.672 g/cc (10) Loaded Density – 1.63 g/cc @ 20 ksi (14) Cast Density – 1.57 g/cc (20)	Heat of Formation	2.84 kcal/mole (10)
Melt Point	200 °C (20)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.58 (L) –1.39 (G) kcal/g (10)
Decomposition Temperature	250 °C @ 5 sec (28)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	13.4 kbars @ 1.65 g/cc (20)
Gas Volume	862 cc/g (28)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel —143% (410 cc) (15) Ballistic Mortar —135% (7) Pendulum —130% (36)
Detonation Pressure	300 kbars @ 1.60 g/cc (20)	Brisance	Sand — 51.5 g (107% TNT) (36) Dent Test —126% TNT (36) Fragment — 2405 m/s @ 1.62 g/cc (20)
Velocity of Detonation	8180 m/s @ 1.60 g/cc (20) 8470 m/s @ 1.64 g/cc (10)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — >100 cm (7) Picatinny Arsenal (PA) —41 cm (7) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) – 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 81 cm (10)
Vacuum Stability	.60 ml-g/40 hr @ 120° C (20) 2.2 ml-g/40/160 °C (9)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — no effect (36) Fiber Shoe — no effect (36)
Hygroscopicity	0% @ 30°C 90% RH (10)	Specifications	MIL-C-440B (34)
Heat of Combustion	1210 cal/g

Composition A4 (RDX/WAX — 97/03; binary)

Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 37 cm (10)
Specifications	MIL-C-440 (34)

Composition A5 (RDX/Stearic Acid – 98.5/1.5; binary)

Density	TMD —1.757 g/cc (10) Loaded Density — 1.70 g/cc @ 20 ksi (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.62 (L) – 1.61 (G) kcal/g (10)
Heat of Formation	6.1 kcal/mol (10)	Specifications	MIL-E-14970 (34)

Composition CH6 (RDX/calcium stearate/graphite/polyisobutylene – 97/1.5/0.5/0.5)

Density	Loaded Density —1.64 g/cc @ 20 ksi (36) Cast Density —1.67 g/cc (36)	Vacuum Stability	1.0 ml/g/40 hr @ 120 °C
Autoignition Temperature	203 °C @ 1 sec, 240 °C @ 10 sec (36)	Heat of Combustion	2285 cal/g
Melt Point	313 °C (3)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	18.0 kbar @1.68 g/cc (36)
Decomposition Temperature	184 °C (36)	Heat of Reaction	1280 cal/g
Gas Volume	908 cc/g (14)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 150% (475 cc) (15)
Detonation Pressure	278 kbar @ 1.66 g/cc (14)	Brisance	Fragment — 2540 m/s @ 1.72 g/cc (36)
Velocity of Detonation	8290 m/s @ 1.59 g/cc (14)	Specifications	MIL-C-21723 (34)

PBXN-5 (plastic bonded explosive Navy, RDX/Viton A – 95/05; binary)

Density	TMD — 1.809 g/cc (10) Loaded Density —1.65 g/cc (20)	Thermal Stability	0.06 cc/0.25 g/22 hr @ 120 °C (20)
Melt Point	204 °C (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.60 (L) –1.46 (G) kcal/g (10)
Detonation Pressure	287 kbars @ 1.60 g/cc (10) 262 kbar @ 1.61 g/cc (10)	Brisance	Fragment — 2740 m/s @ 1.61 g/cc (41)
Velocity of Detonation	8100 m/s @ 1.60 g/cc (20) 7886 m/s @ 1.61 g/cc (8)	Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — 5 kg/TL12 @ 33 cm (20)
Temperature of Detonation	2853 K @ 1.61 g/cc (10)	Specifications	LASL 13Y-109098C (20) MIL-R-63419 (34)
Vacuum Stability	0.1 – 0.3 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)

PBX-9407 (plastic bonded explosive, RDX/FPC 461 – 94/06; binary)

Density	TMD — 1.90 g/cc (36) Bulk Density — 0.86 g/cc (36) Loaded Density —1.78 – 1.80 g/cc @ 40 ksi & 60 °C Vac, 1.73 g/cc @ 25 ksi (36)	Heat of Formation	-31.3 kcal/mole (36)
Autoignition Temperature	309 °C @ 5 sec (36) Critical Temperature — 223 °C (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.56 kcal/g (L) –1.42 kcal/g (G) (36)
Melt Point	250 °C (36)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	18.10 @ 1.66 g/cc (36)
Detonation Pressure	270 kbar @ 1.86 g/cc (36)	Brisance	Fragment — 2920 m/s @ 1.83 g/cc (36)
Velocity of Detonation	8210 m/s @ 1.71 g/cc (36) 8820 m/s @ 1.86 g/cc (36)	Impact Sensitivity	Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 41 cm (15)
Temperature of Detonation	2853 K @ 1.61 g/cc (10)	Specifications	MIL-E-81111 (34)
Vacuum Stability	0.13 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (36)

PBXN-6 (plastic bonded explosive Navy, RDX/Viton A – 95/05; binary)

Density	Bulk Density — >0.650 g/cc (38)	Vacuum Stability	.12 ml/g/48 @ 100 °C (36)
Velocity of Detonation	8440 m/s @ 1.77 g/cc (36)	Specifications	WS-12604 (20)

DIPAM (dipicramide; C₁₂ H₆ N₈ 0₁₂)

Density	TMD — 1.79 g/cc (20)	Heat of Combustion	-1326.8 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	504 °C @ 1 sec, 305 °C @10 sec (3)	Heat of Formation	-6.8 kcal/mole (20)
Melt Point	250 °C (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.35 (L) –1.27 (G) kcal/g (10)
Decomposition Temperature	316 °C (36)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	24.17 kbar (36)
Detonation Pressure	269 kbar @ 1.79 g/cc (8)	LASER Initiation Threshold	754 J/cm2/.250 us (36)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs @ TMD = (4.35 – 0.26)/0.55 (23)	Brisance	Dent Test —.119″ (3) Fragment — 2550 m/s @ 1.79 g/cc (41)
Velocity of Detonation	7400 m/s @ 1.76 g/cc (20) 7738 m/s @ 1.79 g/cc (8)	Impact Sensitivity	Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 2.5 kg @ 95 cm (3) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) —5 kg/TL 12 @ 95 cm (20)
Temperature of Detonation	2781 K @ 1.79 g/cc (8)	Specifications	WS 4660 (36)
Vacuum Stability	.1 ml/g/40 @ 120 °C (9)	Thermal Stability	.1%/g/48 hr @ 210 °C (9)

HNS-l (hexanitrostilbene, C₁₄ H₆ N₆ O₁₂)

Density	TMD — 1.74 g/cc (10) Bulk Density —0.15 to 0.35 g/cc (10)	Vacuum Stability	1.8 cc/g/hr @ 0.33 hr @ 260 °C (35) 0.6 cc/g/hr @ 2.0 hr @ 260 °C (35)
Autoignition Temperature	540 °C @ 1 sec, 325 °C @ 5 sec (3) Critical Temperature — 320 °C (8)	Thermal Stability	0.01 cc/g/22 hr @ 0.25 g @ 120 °C (10) 0.1 cc/g/48 hr @ 100 °C
Melt Point	315 °C (10) 325 °C (35)	Heat of Combustion	3451 cal/g (35) -1540.3 kcal/mole (20)
Decomposition Temperature	315 °C (36)	Heat of Formation	18.7 kcal/mole (20)
Gas Volume	700 cc/g (6)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.42 (L) –1.36 (G) kcal/g (10)
Detonation Pressure	200 kbar @ 1.60 g/cc (10) 241 kbar @ 1.74 g/cc (8)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	33.69 kbar (36)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs @ TMD=(4.02-0.26)/0.55 (23)	LASER Initiation Threshold	56 J/cm2/.250 us (36)
Velocity of Detonation	6800 m/s @ 1.60 g/cc (10) 7000 m/s @ 1.74 g/cc (35) 7410 m/s @ 1.74 g/cc (8)	Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 54 cm (10) 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 44 cm (35)
Temperature of Detonation	3059 K @ 1.74 g/cc (8)	Specifications	WS-5003 (36)

HNS-ll (hexanitrostilbene, C₁₄ H₆ N₆ O₁₂)

Density	TMD — 1.74 g/cc (10) Bulk Density —0.45 to 1.0 g/cc (10)	Heat of Combustion	3451 cal/g (35) -1540.3 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	520 °C @ 5 sec (36)	Heat of Formation	18.7 kcal/mole (20)
Melt Point	318 °C (10) 325 °C (35)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.42 (L) –1.36 (G) kcal/g (10)
Decomposition Temperature	325 °C (15)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	19.0 kbar @ 1.64 g/cc (36) 34.0 kbar @ 1.68 g/cc (36)
Detonation Pressure	200 kbar @ 1.60 g/cc (10) 215 kbar @ 1.65 g/cc (36)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 165% (525 cc) (15) Pendulum — 150% (2)
Velocity of Detonation	7000 m/s @ 1.70 g/cc (10)	Brisance	Fragment — 2460 m/s @ 1.61 g/cc (41)
Temperature of Detonation	3059 K @ 1.74 g/cc (8)	Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 54 cm (10) 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 61 cm (35)
Vacuum Stability	0.3 cc/g/hr @ 0.33 hr @ 260 °C (35) 0.2 cc/g/hr @ 2.0 hr @ 260 °C (35)	Specifications	WS-5003 (36)
Thermal Stability	0.01 cc/g/22 hr @ 0.25 g @ 120 °C (10)

TETRYL (2, 4, 6 – Trinitro-phenylmethyl-nitramine, C₇ H₅ N₅ O₈)

Density	TMD — 1.731 g/cc (20) Loaded Density — 1.67 g/cc @ 20 ksi (20); 1.57 g/cc @ 10 ksi (7) Cast Density —1.62 g/cc (20)	Thermal Stability	5.10 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (10)
Crystal Hardness	< 1.0 Mohs (36)	Heat of Combustion	-836.8 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	340 °C @ .1 sec (7)	Heat of Formation	7.6 kcal/mole (20) 4.67 kcal/mole (10)
Melt Point	129.5 °C (20)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.41 (L) –1.09 (G) kcal/g (10)
Decomposition Temperature	257 °C @ 5 sec, 238 °C @10 sec (36) 213 °C (36)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	19.3 kbar @ 1.45 g/cc (36)
Gas Volume	760 cc/g (7)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 125% (356 cc) (14); 150% (410 cc)(15) Ballistic Mortar — 130% (14)
Detonation Pressure	226.4 kbar @ 1.614 g/cc (20) 260 kbar @ 1.71 g/cc (10) 196 kbar @ 1.53 g/cc (28)	Brisance	Sand — 54.2 g (113% TNT) (36) Dent Test — .106″ (1), (116% TNT (7)) Fragment — 2590 m/s @ 1.65 g/cc (7); (118% TNT (14))
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs=2.742 + 2.935p @ 1.3 g/cc <p< 1.69 g/cc (10)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — 26 cm (14) Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 2.5 kg @ 25 cm (2) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) —TL12 @ 42 cm (10) 5 kg/TL12 @ 28 cm (10)
Velocity of Detonation	7850 m/s @ 1.71 g/cc (10) 7170 m/s @ 1.53 g/cc (28)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — crackles (36) Fiber Shoe — no effect (36)
Temperature of Detonation	2017 K @ 1.70 g/cc (8) 4837 K @ 1.6 g/cc (12)	Specifications	MIL-T-339 (34)
Vacuum Stability	0.4 – 1.0 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)	Hygroscopicity	0.04% @ 30°C 90% RH (36)

RDX (Research Department Explosive, Cyclotrimethylene trinitramine, C₃ H₆ N₆ O₆)

Density	TMD — 1.806 g/cc (20) Loaded Density — 1.68 g/cc @ 20 ksi (20); 1.60 g/cc @ 10 ksi (36)	Thermal Stability	0.12 to 0.9 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (10)
Crystal Hardness	2.5 Mohs (7)	Heat of Combustion	-501.8 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	316 °C @ 1 sec 405 °C @ .1 sec (7) Critical Temperature — 217 °C (20)	Heat of Reaction	500 cal/g (20)
Melt Point	204.1 °C (Type I) (20) 192 °C (Type II)	Heat of Formation	14.7 kcal/mole (20)
Decomposition Temperature	260 °C @ 5 sec, 239 °C @ 10 sec (14)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.51 (L) –1.42 (G) kcal/g (10)
Gas Volume	908 cc/g (7)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	9.3 kbar @ 1.53 g/cc (36) 11.26 kbar @ unk g/cc (36)
Detonation Pressure	347 kbar @ 1.80 g/cc (8) 333.5 kbar @ 1.767 g/cc (20) 108 kbar @ 1.0 g/cc (8)	LASER Initiation Threshold	3.1 J/cm2/.250 μs @ 1.64 g/cc (Zr Dpd)(36)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs=2.66 + 3.40p (20) mm/μs @ TMD = (5.18 – 0.26)/0.55 (23)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 184% (525 cc) (36); Ballistic Mortar — 150% (7)
Velocity of Detonation	8639 m/s @ 1.767 g/cc (10) 8035 m/s @ 1.60 g/cc (14)	Brisance	Sand — 60.2 g (129% TNT) (36) Dent Test — .112″ (1,2) (135% TNT @ 1.50 g/cc (7)) Fragment — 2590 m/s @ 1.65 g/cc (36)
Temperature of Detonation	2587 K @ 1.8 g/cc (8) 3600 K @ 1.0 g/cc (8)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — 32 cm (7) Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 20 cm (28) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) —TL12 @ 22 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ 28 cm
Vacuum Stability	0.9 cc/5 g/40 hr @ 120 °C (36)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — explodes (7) Fiber Shoe — no effect (7)
Hygroscopicity	0.12% @ 25 °C 100% RH (36)	Specifications	MIL-R-398C (34)

HMX (High Melting Explosive, Cyclotetramethylene tetranitromine, C₄ H₈ N₈ O₈)

Density	TMD — 1.902 g/cc (20) Loaded Density — 1.60 g/cc @ 10 ksi (36)	Thermal Stability	0.07 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (36)
Crystal Hardness	2.3 Mohs (7)	Heat of Combustion	-660.7 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	380 °C @ 0.1 sec, 306 °C @ 1.0 sec (15,36) Critical Temperature — 253 °C (20)	Heat of Reaction	500 cal/g (20)
Melt Point	285 °C (10) 246 °C (20) 276 °C (36) 273 °C (7)	Heat of Formation	11.3 kcal/mole (20) 17.93 kcal/mole (10)
Decomposition Temperature	200 °C (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.48 (L) –1.37 (G) kcal/g (10)
Gas Volume	927 cc/g (6)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 145% (413 cc) (36); Ballistic Mortar — 150% (36)
Detonation Pressure	389.8 kbar @ 1.90 g/cc (20)	Brisance	Sand — 60.4 g (126% TNT) (36) Fragment — 2970 m/s @ 1.89 g/cc (10, 40)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	m/s = 2660 + 3225 (p-1) (20) m/s = 2370 + 3250p (20) mm/μs @ TMD (5.24 – 0.26)/0.55 (23)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — 60 cm (14) Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 23 cm (14) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — TL12 @ 26 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ 33 cm
Velocity of Detonation	9110 m/s @ 1.89 g/cc (20)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — explodes Fiber Shoe — no effect
Temperature of Detonation	2364 K @ 1.90 g/cc (8)	Specifications	MIL-H-45444 (20)
Vacuum Stability	0.1 – 0.4 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)	Hygroscopicity	0.0% @ 24 °C 96% RH (36)

DATB (1,3-Diamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, C₆ H₅ N₅ O₆, nitroaromatic)

Density	TMD — 1.838 g/cc (20)	Heat of Combustion	-711.5 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	384 °C @ 1 sec Critical Temperature — 322 °C (20)	Heat of Reaction	300 cal/g (20)
Melt Point	286 °C (20)	Heat of Formation	-23.6 kcal/mole (20)
Detonation Pressure	247.7 kbar @ 1.780 g/cc (20) 259 kbar @ 1.78 g/cc (8)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.26 (L) –1.15 (G) kcal/g (10)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs = 2.480 + 2.852p (20)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 196% (560 cc) (2, 15); Pendulum — 150% (36)
Velocity of Detonation	7600 m/s @ 1.780 g/cc (20)	Brisance	Sand — 50.4 g (105% TNT) (36) Fragment — 3450 m/s @ 1.89 g/cc (36)
Temperature of Detonation	2477 K @ 1.79 g/cc (8)	Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — TL12 @ >320 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ >1770 cm(10)
Vacuum Stability	0.1 – 0.3 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)	Thermal Stability	<0.03 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)

TATB (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene; C₆ H₆ N₆ O_6; nitroaromatic)

Density	TMD — 1.937 g/cc (20) Loaded Density — 1.86 g/cc @ 20 ksi @ 120 °C (20)	Heat of Combustion	-735.9 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	384 °C @ 1 sec (8) Critical Temperature — 347 °C (20)	Heat of Reaction	600 cal/g (20)
Melt Point	480 °C (20) 452 °C (10)	Heat of Formation	-33.4 kcal/mole (20)
Detonation Pressure	326 kbar @ 1.895 g/cc 331 °C (8) 255.6 kbar @ 1.847 g/cc (20) 172 kbar @ 1.5 g/cc (20)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.20 (L) –1.08 (G) kcal/g (10)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	m/s = 2480 + 2852p (20) mm/μs @ TMD = (4.59 – 0.26)/0.55 (23)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 132% (375 cc) (2, 15); Pendulum — 128% (2)
Velocity of Detonation	7666 m/s @ 1.847 (20) 8411 m/s @ 1.895 g/cc (8)	Brisance	Fragment — 2399 m/s @ 1.854 g/cc (10,40)
Temperature of Detonation	1887 K @ 1.895 g/cc (8)	Specifications	LASL 13Y-188025 (20)

PETN (pentaerythritol-tetranitrate, C₅ H₈ N₄ O₁₂, aliphatic-nitrate-ester)

Density	TMD — 1.778 g/cc (20) Loaded Density — 1.71 @ 20 ksi (20); 1.638 @ 20 ksi (10); 1.57 g/cc @ 10 ksi (36)	Thermal Stability	0.10 to 0.14 cc/g/22 hr @ 0.25 g @ 120 °C (10)
Crystal Hardness	2.0 Mohs (7)	Heat of Combustion	618.7 kcal/mole (20)
Autoignition Temperature	272 °C @ .1 sec 244 °C @ 1 sec (14) Critical Temperature — 192 °C (20); 200 °C (8)	Heat of Reaction	300 cal/g @ 1.74 (20)
Melt Point	142.9 °C (20)	Heat of Formation	-110.34 kcal/mole (20) -128.7 kcal/mole (10)
Decomposition Temperature	225 °C @ 5 sec, 210 °C @ 10 sec (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.49 (L) –1.37 (G) kcal/g (10)
Gas Volume	790 cc/g 823 cc/g (2,6,23)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	26.0 kbar @ unk g/cc (36)
Detonation Pressure	335 kbar @ 1.77 g/cc (10) 306 kbar @ 1.67 g/cc (20) 87 kbar @ 0.99 g/cc (10)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 173% (493 cc) (36) Ballistic Mortar — 145% (14)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs = 1.608 + 3.933p @ 0.57 g/cc <p< 1.585 g/cc (20,15,23)	Brisance	Sand — 62.7 g (131% TNT) (14) Dent Test — .126″ (1, 2) Fragment — 2930 m/s @ 1.77 m/s (10,40)
Velocity of Detonation	7975 m/s @ 1.67 g/cc (20) 8260 m/s @ 1.76 g/cc (20)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — 17 cm (14) Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 15 cm (14) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — TL 12 @ 12 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ 11 cm (10)
Temperature of Detonation	2833 K @ 1.77 g/cc, 3970 K @ 1.0 g/cc; 4493 K @ 0.50 g/cc, 4442 K 0.25 g/cc (10)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — crackles Fiber Shoe — no effect
Vacuum Stability	2.0 to 11.0 cc/g/40 hr @ 120 °C (36)	Specifications	MIL-P-387 (34)
Hygroscopicity	0% @ 30 °C 90% RH (10)

CYCLOTOL (Type 1, RDX/TNT, 75/25, binary)

Density	TMD (20) — 1.765 g/cc (20) Cast Density — 1.74/1.75 g/cc-vac melt (20); 1.71 g/cc typ. (14)	Vacuum Stability	.41 ml/g/48 hr @ 100 °C (36)
Autoignition Temperature	Critical Temperature — 208 °C (20)	Thermal Stability	0.25 to 0.94 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (10)
Melt Point	79 °C (cast)(20)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.57 kcal/g (10)
Decomposition Temperature	280 °C @ 5 sec (14)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 100% (285 cc) (15);
Gas Volume	862 cc/g (23)	Brisance	Sand — 54 g (113% TNT) (14) Fragment — 2790 m/s @ 1.754 g/cc (10,40)
Detonation Pressure	316 kbar @ 1.752 g/cc (10) 281 kbar @ 1.73 g/cc (36)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — 51 cm (14) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — TL 12 @ 36 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ 33 cm (10)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs = 8.210[(1-4.89(10-2)/R)-0, 119/R (R-2.44)](20) mm/μs @ TMD = (4.71 – 0.26)/0.55(23)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — no effect (14) Fiber Shoe — no effect (14)
Velocity of Detonation	8252 m/s @ 1.743 g/cc (20) 8030 m/s @ 1.70 g/cc (23)	Specifications	MIL-C-13477 (34)
Temperature of Detonation	2829° K @ 1.44 g/cc (8)

TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, C₇ H₅ N₃ O₆, nitroaromatic)

Density	TMD — 1.653 g/cc (20), 1.465 g/cc (L) (36) Bulk Density — 0.97 g/cc (36) Loaded Density — 1.55 g/cc @ 20 ksi (20) Cast Density — 1.61 – 1.62 g/cc @ vac (20)	Hygroscopicity	0.03% @ 30 °C 90% RH (36)
Crystal Hardness	1.4 Mohs (7)	Thermal Stability	≈0.005 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (10)
Autoignition Temperature	570 °C @ .1 sec 520 °C @ 1 sec (36) Critical Temperature — 288 °C (20)	Heat of Combustion	-817.2 kcal/mole (20)
Melt Point	80 – 82 °C (20)	Heat of Reaction	300 cal/g @ 1.57 g/cc (20)
Decomposition Temperature	475 °C @ 5 sec, 465 °C @ 10 sec (14) 281 °C (36)	Heat of Formation	-12.0 kcal/mole (20)
Gas Volume	730 cc/g (36)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.09 (L) –1.02 (G) kcal/g (10)
Detonation Pressure	170 kbar @ 1.56 g/cc (36) 186.6 kbar @ 1.637 g/cc (20) 200 kbar @ 1.63 g/cc (10)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 100% = 285 cc (36) Ballistic Mortar — 100% = (36) Pendulum — 100% = (36)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/us = 1.873 + 3.187p @ 0.9 <p< 1.534 g/cc (20)	Brisance	Sand — 48 g = 100% TNT (36) Fragment — 2152 m/s @ 1.62 g/cc, 3620 @ 1.58 g/cc (36)
Velocity of Detonation	6942 m/s @ 1.637 g/cc (vac cast) (20) 6800 m/s @ 1.56 g/cc (pressed) (36)	Impact Sensitivity	Bureau of Mines (BoM) — 100 cm (14) Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 36 cm (14) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) —TL 12 @ 154 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ 80 cm (10)
Temperature of Detonation	2829 K @ 1.64 g/cc (8)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — crackles (14) Fiber Shoe — no effect (14)
Vacuum Stability	0.2 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)	Specifications	MIL-T-248C (34) MIL-T-1150 (36)

Composition B3 (RDX/TNT, 60/40, Binary)

Density	TMD — 1.75 g/cc (20) Cast Density — 1.730 g/cc @ vac (20)	Vacuum Stability	0.2 – 0.6 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20)
Autoignition Temperature	526 °C @ .1 sec (36) Critical Temperature — 214 °C (20)	Hygroscopicity	.05% @ 90% RH @ 30 °C
Melt Point	79 °C (TNT melt) (20)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	33.3 kbar @ 1.72 g/cc (36)
Decomposition Temperature	255 °C (23)	Brisance	Fragment — 2368 m/s @ 1.73 g/cc (36)
Detonation Pressure	243 kbar @ 1.68 g/cc (36) 287 kbar @ 1.72 g/cc (23)	Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) —TL 12 @ 59 cm (20) 2.5 kg/TL12 @ 40 to 80 cm (10)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs = 7.859(1-2.84(10-2/R(R-1.94)(20) mm/μs @ TMD = (4.71 – 0.26)/0.55 (23)	Specifications	MIL-C-401C (34) MIL-C-45113 (34)

XTX-8003 (EXTEX, PETN/SYLGARD-182 80/20)

Density	TMD — 1.556 g/cc (20) Cast Density — 1.50 g/cc (20)	Heat of Reaction	300 cal/g (PETN) (20)
Melt Point	129 to 135 °C (20)	Heat of Formation	-39 kcal/mole (10)
Detonation Pressure	170 kbar @ 1.546 g/cc (10)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.16 (L) –1.05 (G) kcal/g (10)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs = 7.260[(1-0.191(10-2/R) – 2.12 (10-4/R)(R – 0.111) (20)	TNT Equivalency	Trauzel — 102%
Velocity of Detonation	7248 m/s @ 1.53 g/cc (20)	Brisance	Fragment — 2422 m/s @ 1.554 g/cc (10,40)
Vacuum Stability	0.2 ml/g/48 hr @ 100 °C (20) 0.11 ml/g/40 hr @ 120 °C (15)	Impact Sensitivity	Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) — TL 12 @ 30 cm (20) 5 kg/TL12 @ 21 cm (10)
Thermal Stability	<0.02 cc/22 hr @ 0.25 g @ 120 °C (10)	Specifications	LASL-13Y-104481F (20)

OCTOL (HMX/TNT 75/25, Binary)

OCTOL	(HMX/TNT 75/25, Binary)
Density	TMD — 1.835 g/cc (20) Cast Density — 1.825 g/cc @ vac (20); 1.81 g/cc type. (7)	Heat of Combustion	2.67 kcal/g (11)
Autoignition Temperature	Critical Temperature — 281 °C (20)	Heat of Formation	2.57 kcal/mole (11)
Melt Point	79 °C (TNT melt)(20)	Heat of Products of Detonation	-1.57 (L) –1.43 (G) kcal/g (10)
Decomposition Temperature	350 °C @ 5 sec (7)	Shock Sensitivity Threshold	14.7 kbar @ 1.68 g/cc (36)
Gas Volume	830 cc/g (7)	TNT Equivalency	Ballistic Mortar — 116% (7)
Detonation Pressure	333.5 kbar @ 1.809 g/cc (20) 342 kbar @ 1.821 g/cc (10)	Brisance	Sand — 62.1 g (129% TNT) (7) Fragment — 1877 m/s @ 1.81 g/cc (11); 2551 m/s @ 1.82 g/cc (36)
Velocity of Detonation Formulae	mm/μs = 8.84[(1 – 6.9(10-2/R)-(9.25(10-2/R)(R – 1.34)](20)	Impact Sensitivity	Picatinny Arsenal (PA) — 43 cm (25 mg) (7) Explosive Research Laboratory (ERL) —TL 12 @ 38 cm (20); 5 kg/TL12 @ 41 cm (10)
Velocity of Detonation	8452 m/s @ 1.809 g/cc (20) 8540 m/s @ TMD (36)	Friction Sensitivity	Steel Shoe — no effect (11) Fiber Shoe — no effect (11)
Vacuum Stability	0.1- 0.4 ml/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (20) 2.66 ml/5 g/40 hr @ 140 °C (11)	Specifications	MIL-O-45445A (34)
Thermal Stability	0.18 cc/g/48 hr @ 120 °C (10)

References

1. Karl O. Bauer, “Handbook of Pyrotechnics”, 1974, Chem. Pub. Co., Inc.
2. Author unknown, “Explosive Characteristics Tables I Through X”
3. Teledyne McCormick Selph, “Engineering Data – Tables, Properties of Selected High Explosives”
4. J. A Conkling, “A Glossary of Terms for Energetic Materials, Including Explosives, Propellants, Pyrotechnics, Fireworks and Commercial Explosive Applications” Washington College, Chestertown, MD 1992
5. Fred L. McIntyre, “A Compilation of Hazard and Test Data for Pyrotechnic Compositions”, USA ARADCOM AD-E400-496 / Contractor Report ARLCD-CR-80047, Computer Sciences Corp., October 1980
6. Rudolph Meyer, “Explosives”, 2nd Ed. 1981, Verlag Chemie
7. AMCP 706-177, “Explosive Series, Properties of Explosives of Military Interest, Engineering Design Handbook”, U. S. Army Material Command Jan 1971
8. C. L. Mader, “Numerical Modeling of Detonation”, 1979, U.C. Press.
9. NOL, “Physical and Explosives Properties of Several Heat Resistant Explosives”
10. B. M. Dobratz, “LLNL Explosives Handbook – Properties of Chemical Explosives and Explosive Simulants” 1985, Lawrence Livermore National Library.
11. Picatinny Arsenal, “Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items” pp. D380 Table A and pp. D381 Table B.
12. Picatinny Arsenal, “Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items”, pp. D232-D234, Chapman-Jouguet Detonation Parameters Table
13. T. S. Costain, R. V. Motto, “The Sensitivity Performance and Material Properties of Some High Explosives” TR2587 Feltman Research Laboratory, Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, NJ
14. BROCO, Inc., “Characteristics of Military High Explosives” (a wall chart) BROCO, Inc. Rialto, CA
15. P.L. Stanton, “Characterization of the DDT Explosive CP”, et al, 7th Symp. On Det 6/1981, SNLA, Annapolis, MD.
16. R. Weinheimer, “Geometric Shock Initiation Of Pyrotechnics And Explosives”, ADPA John C. Stennis Space Center, MS 4 – 5 Oct 1989
17. DTIC, “The Technical Report Database (CD-ROM)” Defense Technical Information Center, El Segundo, CA 1992
18. Unidynamics, “Laser Initiation of Explosives” 1984, Unidynamics Phoenix, Inc
19. Alfred C. Schwarz, “Application of Hexanitrostilbene (HNS) in Explosive Components”, SNLA, May 1972, SC-RR-710673.
20. Gibbs and Populato, “LASL, Explosive Property Data”, UC Press, 1980
21. Naval Support Weapons Ctr., “Navy Bank of Explosive Data, Vol. I, II, and III” NSWC MP 83-230, 30 June 1983
22. AMCP-706-180, “Principles of Explosive Behavior, Engineering Design Handbook” U. S. Army Material Command, APR 1972
23. Naval Weapon Station, “Predicting High Explosive Detonation Velocities From Their Composition Structure” Naval Weapon Station AD-AO62266, NWSY TR 78-4 Nov 78
24. C. Leveritt, “The Official L & I Design Handbook Of Data For Weird Explosives And S. Isenberg Related Stuff” Jun 1975
25. Dept Of The Army, “Military Explosives” TM9-1300-214, Dept. of The Army, Sep 1984
26. B. Singh, “Hexanitrostilbene and Its Properties” TBRL, Chandigarh, India R. K. Malhotra
27. P. Taylor, “The Effects of Grain Size on The Shock Sensitivity of Porous Granular Explosives” SNLA, SAND83-0852C
28. AMCP 706-170, “Explosive Trains, Explosive Series, Engineering Design Handbook” U. S. Army Material Command, 1974
29. D. L. Ornellas, “The Heat and Products of Detonation in a Calorimeter of CNO, HNO, CHNF, CHNO, CHNOF, and CHNOSi Explosives Combustion and Flame” 23, 37-46 (1974) The Combustion Institute
30. Erik Oberg, et al, “The Machinery Handbook”, 23rd Revised Edition 1990
31. R.P. Olenick, et al, “The Mechanical Universe; Introduction to Mechanics and Heat” Cambridge Univ. Press, 1986
32. J. M. Pickard, “Critical Temperature Analysis for a Hemispherical Charge of a Binary Explosive” E G & G Mound Labs (>1981)
33. A.C Schwarz, “A New Technique for Characterizing an Explosive for Shock Initiation Sensitivity”, SAND-75-0314 SNLA 1975
34. DoD Stds., “DoD Standards”, Compact Disc (CD-ROM) Database Library, Information Handling Services 1992
35. Chemtronics, Inc., “HNS”, Fact Sheet
36. R. Weinheimer, Personal Files, various sources, 1962 through 1992
37. W. Worthy, “Shock Sensitivity of Explosives Clarified” 10 August 1987 C & EN (pp. 25)
38. NAVSEA WS-1260A, “Explosive, Plastic-Bonded Molding Powder (PBXN-6)” Nav. Sea Sys. Com.12 Oct 1974
39. E. W. LaRocca, “A Simplified Method of Calculating the Gurney Constant of Common Explosives” TM 6-348-1.13-2, ADPA Yuma, AZ 25-27 Oct 78
40. W. K. Gallant, Memo: “Gurney Values for Common and Uncommon Explosives — Issue 1” Alliant Techsystems, Brooklyn Park, MN 25 Feb 92
41. M. G. Vigil, “Analyses of Terminal Flyer Plate Velocities for Various Cased Explosive Configurations” SAND—0578, UC—742 SNLA, April 1991
42. R. Weinheimer, “Properties of Selected High Explosives”, 18th International Pyrotechnics Seminar, Breckenridge, CO, July 1992