Macro-scale sensitivity through meso-scale hotspot dynamics in porous energetic materials: Comparing the shock response of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazoctane (HMX)

Abstract

The sensitivity of an energetic material is strongly influenced by its microstructure. This work distinguishes the roles played by the microstructure (i.e., the meso-scale) in the macro-scale shock sensitivity of two different materials: TATB and HMX. To quantify sensitivity, we develop a meso-informed energy deposition model for a porous TATB material, following procedures from the previous work on HMX. Simulations of reactive void collapse in TATB are employed to calculate the rate of initiation and growth of hotspots. These rates are expressed as surrogate models, expressing meso-scale (hotspot) quantities of interest as functions of shock strength Ps and void size Dvoid. The hotspot ignition and growth rate surrogates for TATB are compared with those for HMX, providing insights into meso-scale physics underlying shock sensitivity of these two energetic materials. The surrogate models are then used in a meso-informed ignition and growth (MES-IG) model to close macro-scale simulations of the shock response of porous TATB. We also obtain the run-to-detonation distances and generate Pop-plots to quantify macro-scale sensitivity. It is shown that Pop-plots for HMX-based energetic materials accord with behavior observed in experimental studies; however, there is a significant discrepancy between MES-IG predictions and experiments for TATB; the causes for this difference between HMX and TATB are discussed, pointing to areas for future work.