The effect of high energy X-rays and pile radiation on the thermal decomposition and thermal explosion of α -lead azide

Abstract

α -lead azide has been irradiated in air with the X-rays from a 1 MV generator and with pile radiation. At dosages below 10 4 r the thermal decomposition and thermal explosion characteristics of the X-irradiated material are indistinguishable from those of the unirradiated material. At higher dosages decomposition rates are changed and explosion times reduced. Pile radiation gives very similar results for the same energy deposition. Samples irradiated at 10 4 and 10 7 r showed no difference from unirradiated material on a friction sensitivity test.