Shock-induced detonation of high explosives by high velocity impact

Abstract

We investigate shock-induced detonation of high explosives confined in an open-ended steel cylinder by a normal impact to the cylindrical surface using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Three types of steel projectiles are considered: a cube, a sphere and a square plate. For the encased LX-17 explosive the calculated threshold impact velocities that lead to deflagration and detonation are higher for a sphere than for a cube of the same mass. It is found that detonation of the encased PBXN-110 explosive with the cubical projectile could occur immediately once a full reaction is initiated in the region near the impact site. The threshold detonation velocity is much lower for PBXN-110 than for LX-17. In addition, we discuss the threshold conditions of detonation predicted by different equations of state and failure models for the steel casing and projectile.