A new mechanism for deflagration-to-detonation in porous granular explosives

Abstract

An investigation has been carried out into the differences between the deflagration-to-detonation (DDT) process as it occurs in low density [∼30% theoretical maximum density (TMD)] columns of conventional grain size (∼180 μm) pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and in ultrafine PETN with a grain size ∼1 μm. The principle technique for observing the process utilized charges confined within a steel housing fitted with a polycarbonate slit window. This allowed direct recording of the transition using high speed streak photography. The explosive was thermally ignited using a pyrotechnic mixture with low gaseous emission to minimize any prepressurization of the charge. In addition to the photographic records of the events, the outputs of photodiodes along the length of the column were monitored in order to determine the rate at which the reaction proceeds. The results obtained show that the DDT process in the larger grain PETN at low density was similar in structure to the DDT process at higher densities. In contrast a different mechanism leads to detonation in columns composed of the smaller grain size PETN when packed to densities less than 50% TMD. After ignition hot gases propagate along the column both compacting and igniting material as they pass. After the gases have reached the downstream end of the column, the column continues to burn and the pressure and temperature increase. Some time later initiation takes place at a point along the burning column, and detonation waves propagate in both directions from this point. The detonation waves propagate from the initiation point at speeds that would normally be associated with material compacted to around 60% TMD. The process appears to be in effect a deflagration-to-localized thermal explosion detonation transition.