Effect of Tungsten on Aluminized Melt Cast High Explosive Formulations

Aluminized 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) based, melt-cast, high explosive compositions are widely used in warheads. These compositions offer a blast effect over a larger period due to the secondary combustion of aluminum. During recent times tungsten based explosives have been reported for lethality at close range to avoid collateral damage in low intensity conflicts (LIC) and find application in shaped charges to enhance their penetration capability. This paper reports findings on tungsten-based, melt-cast, explosive formulations. The compositions were prepared by substituting aluminum with tungsten in the reference aluminized, high explosive formulation. The compositions were characterized for their sensitivity to mechanical/shock stimuli, velocity of detonation (VOD) and blast performance. The study reveals that the impact sensitivity remains comparable on incorporating 10% tungsten at the cost of aluminum whereas an increase in tungsten content to 20% leads to an increase in impact sensitivity. However friction sensitivity and shock sensitivity remained more or less unchanged. The velocity of detonation (VOD) of tungsten-loaded, aluminized formulations is found to be comparable to the standard aluminized formulation. The peak over pressure of tungsten-based formulations is lower than the reference, aluminized composition at close range but is almost unchanged at long range. The impulse of tungsten-based formulations is also lower than the reference, aluminized composition. The reduction in impulse at close range is substantial on replacing 10% aluminum with inert tungsten.