Chemistry of Detonations. II. Buffered Equilibria

Abstract

At low loading densities, values of N, M, and Q calculated from the H2O–CO2 “arbitrary” show poor individual agreement with estimates of these quantities from the RUBY computer code. Nevertheless, when substituted into the equation P = 15.58 NM1 / 2Q1 / 2ρ02 they lead to detonation pressures which correspond closely to RUBY predictions. That incorrect input information should yield results which are very nearly “correct” is rationalized on the basis that the equilibria whose shifting engenders the changes in N, M, and Q are “buffered” in the sense that “errors” in N are offset by compensating “errors” in M and Q. As a consequence of the fact that most of the important equilibria in the detonation of C–H–N–O explosives are buffered, calculated (and actual) mechanical properties of detonations appear to be extremely insensitive to exact product compositions. A number of other interesting consequences of these buffered equilibria are discussed.