Radiation-induced changes in explosive materials

Abstract : A group of eleven explosive materials in powder and pellet form were subjected to Co60 gamma radiation and the results are tabulated and discussed. Teh explosives were studied using weight loss, dimensional change, vacuum stability, DTA, TGA, infrared spectra, melting point, impact sensitivity, explosion temperature and rates of detonation as a function of total gamma exposure up to and including levels of ten to the ninth power R. Based on this work, a damage threshold as a function of total gamma dose was determined for each material. The results indicate that the capability of the explosives studied to withstand Co60 gamma radiation decreases in the following order: TACOT = or > TATB = or > DATB = or > HMX = or > Tetryl = or > TNB = or > TNT = or > RDX = or > PETN > NGu > BaN6. (Author)