Response of PBXs and inert substitutes in launch and impact scenarios

Abstract

The physical behaviour of a polymer bonded explosive (PBX) fill is important for the development of safe and reliable shells and penetrators. The strain rate environment during launch or impact is generally in the intermediate regime, below shock but above quasi-static. Confidence in the predictions of the constitutive response of PBXs is a necessary pre-requisite for accurate predictions of the likelihood of reactions. The level of deformation and the rate of that deformation can cause ignitions. A number of experiments have been completed with different levels of confinement of both PBXs and PB inerts to obtain data on their behaviour at these strain rates. Instrumentation has included flash X-ray, Digital Speckle Radiography (DSR), VISAR, high speed video and pressure gauges. Experimental data is presented together with hydrocode modelling comparisons. Necessary features of the material models are discussed together with lessons learnt in its application across the strain rate regimes present during launch and impact.