A Study of the Effects of Nuclear Radiation on Organic Explosives

Abstract

ABSTRACT\samples of six explosive c a m s (TNT, tetryl, NC, RCIX, W, I Pmn) and four e q l o s i v e mixtures were exposed to the neutron (and gamma) radiation f'ra a parer reactor a t integrated flux 1-1s of approximately l0'5 n/Cmo2 (5 x 10 re), ami 3 x d6 n/cm.* (2 x 10 r . In t h i s paper we present tho results of a pre1hiumu-y study of the effects of the comblned neutron and gcusma mdlatlon from a power reactor on ten organic explosive colPpounds eupd r&diures. RDX as a reaction by-product.-2-Tetryl -2,4,6-'Prinitrophenylm?thyUt~ne, uniform spherical granules, average particle size about 0.5 m.-

Aging of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)

“…Although properties such as melting points, phase transition temperatures, and densities were lowered, no significant evidence of sensitization to impact initiation was observed. [Urizar 1962], [Kaye 1980] It was noted in one study that an excess of 10 16 n/cm 2 or 10 8 R gammas was required to produce a 10% weight loss in the more sensitive explosives such as PETN and HMX. A 5% weight loss is considered detrimental to the performance of a component containing these explosives.…”

Effects of Low-Level Gamma Radiation on Common Nitroaromatic, Nitramine, and Nitrate Ester Explosives

“…In particular, previous studies indicate that the main gases are expected to be H 2 , N 2 , N 2 O, NO, CO, and CO 2 . 5,6 The results from a few selected gases measured in the PBX 9501 samples are shown in Figure 2. The headspace gas from the PATO sample was lost due to burst disc failure during the initial evacuation for post-irradiation gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS) analysis and thus those results could not be collected.…”

“…Explosives are extensively employed on space shuttles to initiate a variety of pyromechanisms such as component separation and parachute deployment since explosives can generate the necessary impulse without adding much weight to the payload. − Once the space shuttle is beyond the Earth’s magnetosphere, it and everything onboard will then be exposed to larger ionizing radiation fields than those on Earth though these dose rates are similarly modest in comparison to other radiation application environments. A number of studies focused on the radiation aging of HEs have been conducted, − but their relevance to natural aging conditions is uncertain as both the dose and dose rate can have an effect on the radiation aging of materials. Although this study also utilizes an accelerated dose rate with respect to natural aging conditions, it is the lowest dose rate reported in any published literature thus far.…”

“…Polymer binders and plasticizers used in explosive formulations provide stability and strength to pressed shapes; thus, degradation in the polymer system could adversely affect the desired formulation characteristics. Studies on the irradiation of pressed plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) cylinders showed up to a 0.6 g/cm 3 decrease in density after receiving a dose of 2.4 MGy . Even small changes in density or porosity will affect the mechanical and performance properties of HEs. , The HE itself is also subject to degradation upon irradiation, so it is important to study the radiation effects of HEs and explosive formulations as they are used in order to truly understand the consequences of radiation aging.…”

“…PETN is a powerful explosive used commonly throughout military, mining, and even medical applications. − Previous irradiation studies revealed the formation of multiple gas products that indicated significant degradation of the nitrate ester energetic functional groups. , Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements revealed the formation of several long-lived radical species upon irradiation, including the NO 2 radical and a species tentatively assigned to the PETN radical cation . Investigations into the thermal properties upon irradiation showed a general shift of the endotherms and exotherms to lower temperatures, indicating a potential increase in the ability of an explosive to initiate under typical handling scenarios, otherwise known as the handling sensitivity .…”