Abstract:
In a series of experiments and theoretical work, the process of ignition in confined
energetic materials has been explored and understanding gained. Early work focused on
the direct observation of the cook-off process but was hampered by the available
technology. In more recent work, dynamic measurements of the deformation of the
confinement have been explored, and refinements to the direct observation method have
been made that make use of recent advances in camera technology. We have observed,
for the first time, complex melting and development of gas spaces within which the early
stages of ignition take place, and propose a new mechanism by which violent cook-off
responses might develop in certain explosives