Authors:

Christina Lumpp

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

Polymer Bonded Explosives (PBXs) are commonly used for explosive components that cannot be easily melted and cast due to their high energy density and insensitivity to accidental detonation. Traditional steel-die compaction of molding powder does not allow for the precise placement of particles and polymer within a PBX, producing unpredictable defects that can lead to hot spot formation during impact, heating, or vibration. Vibratory powder dispensing methods have been used to deposit powders for other applications, so using them to deposit particles into precise patterns prior to compaction could reduce the production of unpredictable defects. This project investigates how powder and polymer deposition prior to compaction can enable repeatable microstructural control of PBXs to improve the predictability of hot spot formation. The mass flow rate of the mock powder, with particle sizes ranging from 13-212 microns, was measured over time to determine the consistency. The precision with which the powder dispensing could start and stop was also examined. Samples of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) binder and sugar were partially cured before being pressed in a steel-die. The required curing time was measured as well as the final sample density. A digital microscope was used to observe the adhesion between binder and powder particles and to understand microstructural variations due to manufacturing methods. The results of this study will inform the community on how polymer and particle interactions influence the microstructure of PBXs.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

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Co-authors:

Christina Lumpp