Deformation and failure of polymer bonded explosives

The deformation and failure of pressed polymer bonded explosives under different types of loads including tension, compression and low velocity impact are presented. Brazilian test is used to study the tensile properties. The microstructure of polymer bonded explosives and its evolution are studied by use of scanning electronic microscopy and polarized light microscopy. Polishing techniques have been developed to prepare samples for microscopic examination. The failure mechanisms of polymer bonded explosives under different loads are analyzed. The results show that interfacial debonding is the predominant failure mode in quasi-static tension, while extensive crystal fractures are induced in compression. With the increase of strain rate, more crystal fractures occur. Low velocity impact also induces extensive crystal fractures.