Application of TDV in the investigation of deflagration rate for PBX

Determining the deflagration rate of high explosives is important for understanding the evolution of accident reaction and improving the design of charge safety. A noninvasive terahertz-wave-based Doppler velocimetry (TDV) method is demonstrated for measuring the deflagration rate of a polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) under high pressures in a closed burner. The penetration ability of TDV avoids cutting the PBX sample into pieces to embed gauges, thus ensuring the burning surface undisturbed. The development of deflagration rate for the octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetranzocine- based PBX-3 agrees with Vielle’s law before pressure increases too high. But at high pressure, unstable burning is observed, implying the transition to convective burning.