Hazard initiation in solid rocket and gun propellants and explosives

Abstract

The solid rocket industry, the Department of Energy contractor laboratories and the Department of Defense efforts related to explosives, gun and rocket propellants were surveyed to identify basic and applied research needs to mitigate hazards, particularly for solid rocket propellants. Hazards can lead to incidents resulting from unplanned initiation in manufacturing or handling munitions and during processing of energetic materials. The focus here is the energetic material, specifically in the areas of shock-to-detonation transition, critical or failure diameter, deflagration-to-detonation transition, delayed detonation and initiation by thermal means, impact, friction or electrostatic discharge. Current energetic material test methods are reviewed, deficiencies in these and in fundamental understanding are identified, and near and far term technology needs and a corresponding Long-Range Plan for Hazards are summarized.