Optical Methods for the Study of Explosive Chemistry

Abstract

An understanding of the reaction zone in a detonating high explosive (HE) requires characterization of both the mechanical response of the material and the chemical reaction mechanisms that control the rate at which the HE is consumed. Moreover, the detailed chemistry is clearly a contributing factor in the shock-initiation of energetic materials. Although a considerable body of empirical knowledge on shock sensitivity and explosive performance is presently available, practically no information exists regarding the important microscopic physical and chemical processes. Much additional insight into these processes is needed for the development of predictive capabilities in the areas of initiation and performance. In this paper, we discuss the application of several optical diagnostic methods for the study of explosive chemistry. We have emphasized techniques which provide good spatial and temporal resolution and are applicable to "single-shot" measurements on pressed, polycrystalline samples of widely used HEs. These techniques include electronic fast-framing photography, time-resolved emission spectroscopy, single-pulse Raman scattering and time-resolved infrared spectral photography (TRISP).