Exploding Bridge-Wire Initiation Performance of UltrafineCL-20 Explosive

Abstract

CL-20 is the most powerful energetic material presently available having highest crystal density and the highest detonation velocity among usable nitramine explosives. It is one of the most promising energetic materials for future military applications for miniaturization of explosive devices and initiation systems. Though chemical and physical properties of CL-20 are well reported, literature related to its shock initiation behavior is limited. In this research work, ultrafine (uf) CL-20 was prepared and characterized. Thereafter, Shock initiation behavior of ufCL-20 was studied by exploding bridge-wire phenomenon using it as initial pressing charge. The performance was evaluated in terms of all-fire energy and was compared with most commonly used explosives in EBW devices viz PETN and RDX.