Detonation Characteristics of an Aluminized Explosive Added with Boron and Magnesium Hydride

Abstract Investigation of the detonation characteristics of an aluminized explosive added with boron (B) and magnesium hydride (MgH 2 ) were undertaken and compared with the aluminized explosive of similar formulation. Firstly, the explosion heat was measured in a vacuumed calorimetric bomb, then the detonation pressure was determined by the interface velocity experiment, and finally the cylinder expansion test was performed. From the calorimetric data, the addition of B and MgH 2 into an aluminized explosive increases the heat of explosion slightly. From the detonation pressure data, the addition of B and MgH 2 appears to have no significant influence to the detonation pressure. From the cylinder test data, the detonation velocity, wall velocity, Gurney energy and detonation energy were determined. The aluminized explosive added with B and MgH 2 shows weak acceleration ability, but exhibits a stronger afterburning potential. Finally the equation of state of the detonation products was determined for different casing conditions. Conclusions about how to use B and MgH 2 in aluminized explosives to generate optimal effects are drawn.