Underwater explosion performance of RDX/AP-based aluminized explosives

To understand the underwater explosion (UNDEX) performance of RDX/AP-based aluminized explosives, six formulations of the explosives were prepared, with Al content varying from 30% to 55% and ammonium perchlorate (AP) content from 45% to 20%. A series of UNDEX tests that used a 1 kg cylindrical charge was conducted underwater at a depth of 4.7 m. The pressure histories of the shock wave produced at different positions and the bubble periods were measured. The coefficients of the similarity law equation for the shock wave parameters were fitted with experimental data. The effect of the aluminum/oxygen (Al/O) ratio on the performance of the energy output structure for RDX/AP-based aluminized explosives is discussed. The bubble motion during UNDEX was simulated using MSC.DYTRAN software, and the radius-time curves of the bubbles were determined. The results show that AP influences the detonation reaction mechanism of RDX/AP-based aluminized explosives, which causes different UNDEX performances. The bubble energy of the RDX/AP-based aluminized explosive was higher than that of RDX-based and HMX-based aluminized explosives.