Detonation shock dynamics modeling and calibration of the HMX-based conventional high explosive PBX 9501 with application to the two-dimensional circular arc geometry

Abstract

A surface evolution model is developed for the detonation propagation dynamics of the HMX-based conventional high explosive PBX 9501, which relates the normal surface speed Dn to its local surface curvature κ. Such surface evolution models are important for the understanding and modification of engineering design calculations for high explosive applications. We describe a series of unconfined PBX 9501 slab geometry experiments of varying thickness, and detail how the steady axial detonation speed and detonation front shape data are obtained. A merit-function based calibration process is then described that uses both the PBX 9501 thickness effect and front shape data to parametrize the Dn−κ propagation law. The time-dependent PBX 9501 Dn−κ surface evolution law is then applied to detonation wave propagation in two-dimensional circular arc geometries, systematically examining the effect of arc thickness, inner radius, relaxation dynamics to steady-state propagation and confinement.