Detonation product analysis and the paradoxical performance mechanism of TKX-50: High detonation velocity with low metal acceleration

This study investigates the paradoxical detonation behavior of TKX-50, a nitrogen-rich energetic material, exhibiting higher detonation velocities but lower metal acceleration ability compared to HMX. Through experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, we propose a novel three-factor competition mechanism to explain this phenomenon. TKX-50-based PBX formulations achieved detonation velocities up to 9100 m/s, surpassing HMX-based counterparts. However, cylinder expansion tests revealed a 15% reduction in metal acceleration ability. Thermochemical measurements showed lower detonation heat for TKX-50 (4900 J/g) versus HMX (5645 J/g). Our mechanism involves: (1) compositional effects prevailing at high pressures; (2) Energy release becoming essential as pressure drops; (3) Pressure-dependent product composition evolution functioning at low pressure. VLW code calculations unveiled a “crossover” in Hugoniot curves, lending support to this mechanism. This study furnishes a new framework for comprehending the performance of nitrogen-rich energetic materials, with significant implications for the design and optimization of future high-energy density materials.