Experimental investigations on a layer of HMX explosive crystals in response to drop-weight impact

Drop-weight experiments are performed on a thin layer of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) explosive crystals. The drop-weight impact machine is equipped with high-speed photographic systems. Experimental results show the effects of drop heights, mass of particles, and distributed density on compaction, deformation, transparency, reaction violence, and burning propagation. The aim is to establish a link between mechanical and thermal responses for a single layer of granular explosives. Minimum input energy and adequate number of particles, as well as sufficient mutual interactions among particles in the granular explosive sample, are necessary prerequisites for hot spot ignition and growth to burning. The course of the response, instead of a simple "go" or "no go" criterion is emphasized as a critical consideration in ranking material sensitivity.