Study on the Influence of the Change of Aluminum Powder Content on the Detonation and Energy Output Characteristics of Typical Emulsion Explosive

The investigation of the energy output resulting from alterations in the aluminum powder content in emulsion explosives permits the expeditious transformation of civilian explosives into military explosives during wartime, while simultaneously enhancing the energy capacity of the equipment. One can choose the appropriate scenario based on the form and energy yield of the explosives. The experiments were conducted using emulsion explosives with 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40% mass percentage of aluminum powder. The study investigates the effects of varying aluminum powder contents on detonation velocity, brisance, underwater explosions, and aerial explosions. The experimental outcomes show that the detonation speed decreases with increasing aluminum powder content. The brisance of the emulsion explosive initially ascends and subsequently descends, reaching its pinnacle value of 22.71 mm at an aluminum powder content of 20%, reflecting a surge of 19.97%. As the aluminum powder content increases, all underwater explosion parameters of the emulsion explosive increase linearly, with the total energy reaching its maximum at 40%, showing increases of 120% compared to the aluminum-free emulsion explosive. The highest pressure increase in aerial explosions is achieved at an aluminum powder content of 30%, reaching 113.28 kPa and signifying a 78% rise. The experimental findings demonstrate that in the context of underwater munitions employing high-energy emulsified explosives, including 40% aluminum powder results in the optimal level of destructive capability. Conversely, when considering applications for aerial weaponry, the maximum explosive potential is attained with an aluminum powder content of 30%.