Scaled-down test arrangements for characterizing high explosives

Newly formulated explosives and the optimization of explosive mixtures requires an experimental determination of detonation parameters, especially detonation velocity, pressure and metal accelerating ability. Increasing material and labour costs force researchers to reduce test quantities and therefore to develop smaller scale experiments which provide sufficient data to determine an explosive’s properties. Seven test set-ups found in literature are described and compared in this paper.

Improving ANFO: Effect of Additives and Ammonium Nitrate Morphology on Detonation Parameters

Ammonium nitrate–fuel oil (ANFO) is one of the most widely used explosives for civilian purposes. Its main advantages are its low price and simple method of production. The main disadvantages of this material are low water resistance and problems related to non-ideal detonation, which can be a potential hazard when using ANFO. Due to this, research has been conducted for many years to find suitable additives for ANFO that would have the effect of offsetting its drawbacks. The aim of this review was to describe factors affecting the energetic properties of ANFO, including the highlighting of substances that could potentially be additives to ANFO formulations that would reduce the negative effects of non-ideal detonation, while avoiding adversely impacting the effectiveness of the explosive in blasting operations, as well as its sensitivity parameters.

Approximate estimation of the critical diameter in Koenen tests

A simple correlation between computed detonation parameters and the critical diameter obtained using the Koenen (steel-sleeve) test is reported. This correlation is not meant to replace a proper Koenen test, but rather, to act as an aid to help to know which orifice diameter to start testing with.