Momentum Transfer during Shock Interaction with Metal Particles in Condensed Explosives

Abstract

Detonation propagation in a condensed explosive with compressible metal particles can result in significant momentum transfer between the explosive and the particles during the shock‐particle interaction. Consequently, the classic assumption of a “non‐momentum‐transfer shock” used in multiphase continuum detonation initiation and propagation models may not be valid. This paper addresses this issue by performing numerical and theoretical calculations in liquid explosives and RDX with various compressible metal particles under conditions of detonation pressure. The results showed that immediately behind the shock front the velocity of particles such as Al and Mg can achieve 60 – 94 % the value of the shocked velocity of the explosive.