Detonation performance of four groups of aluminized explosives

The detonation performances of TNT-, RDX-, HMX-, and RDX/AP-based aluminized explosives were examined through detonation experiments. The detonation pressure, velocity, and heat of detonation of the four groups of aluminized explosives were measured. Reliability verification was conducted for the experimental results and for those calculated with an empirical formula and the KHT code. The test results on detonation pressures and velocities were in good agreement with the predicted values when aluminum (Al) particles were considered inert. The experimental heat of detonation values exhibited good consistency with the predicted values when a certain proportion of Al particles was active. Ammonium perchlorate (AP) can effectively reduce the detonation pressure and improve the heat of detonation for the RDX/AP-based aluminized explosive. A comparison of the current test results and literature data shows that errors may exist in early test data. The test data presented in this study allow for an improved understanding of the detonation performance of the four groups of aluminized explosives.