Shock Initiation of Nano‐TATB Explosives under Short‐Duration Pulses

Abstract Because of the potential of nano‐TATB as a charge in slapper detonator, the shock initiation threshold of nano‐TATB explosive was studied over short pulse durations (down to 0.017 μs) and high pressure ranges (up to 17 GPa). The pulses were produced by the impact of thin plastic flyer plates, which were accelerated by electrically exploded metal foils. Nano‐TATB powders with a mean particle size of 60 nm were prepared and pressed into cylindrical sample charges with three densities (1.56, 1.64 and 1.74 g/cm3). The flyer impact velocity data versus charging voltages was measured with different flyer thicknesses. Together with the Hugoniot relationships of flyer and samples, the impact pressures and pulse durations were calculated. By using Langlie method, the threshold pressures for shock initiation were determined. In case of the identical flyer plate, the threshold pressure increases with increasing density. In case of the identical explosive density, the threshold pressure increases as the thickness of the flyer decreases (i. e. the pulse duration decreases) except for the highest tested density. These data are represented well by a constant P2τ initiation criterion for the short, high‐pressure pulses and deviate from the P2τ behavior at lower pressures. Finally, nano‐TATB is proved to be a little more sensitive to short‐duration pulses than superfine TATB, but much more sensitive than production grade TATB.