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Sustainable High Explosives Development
Published in Mark J. Mezger, Kay J. Tindle, Michelle Pantoya, Lori J. Groven, Dilhan M. Kalyon, Energetic Materials, 2017
Noah Lieb, Neha Mehta, Karl D. Oyler, Kimberly Yearick Spangler
In terms of classification, high explosives are defined as substances capable of undergoing detonation (meaning that they can decompose to generate shock waves traveling at supersonic speeds) when subjected to a stimulus. They can be loosely grouped into different subcategories, typically as primary or secondary explosives based on their properties and intended role. Of these, primary explosives are the most sensitive and typically weaker in power. Their purpose is to convert thermal or mechanical energy (such as the impact of a firing pin) into shock energy capable of triggering the much more powerful, but less sensitive secondary explosives.3 Secondary explosives are intentionally designed to be as insensitive as possible—while maintaining their explosive performance—in order to minimize unintended initiation of them from accidents during production or in the field. In fact, an area of heavy research and development in the modern explosives field is so-called insensitive munitions (IM), which are intended to be highly resistant to events such as bullet/fragment impact, exposure to fires, detonation of other nearby explosives, and so on.3
Explosives and Propellants: Power to Breach Mountains, Wage war and Visit the Moon
Published in Richard J. Sundberg, The Chemical Century, 2017
Both WWI and WWII were fought mainly with conventional weapons ranging from small arms to bombs that were powered by the explosive described in Section 1.2. The desired effect of military weapons is achieved by the destructive force of the blast and generation of shrapnel. The ammunition can be designed to maximize these effects. Many new military applications for explosives and propellants were developed in the second half of the 20th century. These ranged from tactical rockets to intercontinental ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads. For rockets and missiles, high energy compounds are combined with fuels to provide a powerful but controllable thrust. It is crucial that propellants not explode, so they must not readily undergo the deflagration to detonation transition. Military uses of rockets and missiles often present particularly challenging environments. Air craft carriers for example, involve storage of ammunition and fuel, arriving and departing air craft, as well as the potential of hostile fire. The goal is insensitive munitions that are unlikely to explode under the conditions of operation.
Systems Engineering and Weapon Systems Acquisition Strategy of the U.S. Department of Defense and National Security
Published in Anna M. Doro-on, Handbook of Systems Engineering and Risk Management in Control Systems, Communication, Space Technology, Missile, Security and Defense Operations, 2023
Insensitive munitions (IM) are munitions which reliably fulfill (specified) performance, readiness, and operational requirements on demand, but which minimize the probability of inadvertent initiation and severity of subsequent collateral damage to the weapon platforms, logistic systems, and personnel when subjected to unplanned stimuli (DoD 2011i; MIL-STD-2105D). IM is a component of explosive ordnance safety described in 10 U.S.C. § 2389, which specifies that the Secretary of Defense shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that insensitive munitions under development or procurement are safe throughout development and fielding when subject to unplanned stimuli (GPO 2006), e.g., electromagnetic interference, vibration, or shock. Table 2.6 provides list of documents and memorandums for MI guidance. Aside from being mindful of the ACAT level, the PM, systems engineer, and the technical staff for munitions acquisition programs should have safety and security as the primary priority when making decisions, plans, and trade studies. The IM tests in accordance with the MIL-STD-2105D, provide a basis to test munitions against meaningful, credible, potential threats and evaluate munition response against criteria which reflect the services IM vulnerability and hazard reduction goals. In addition to standardized IM testing, each munitions program should continue to evaluate their cradle-to-grave life cycle and develop a threat hazard assessment (THA) to identify hazards and risks from threats more severe than those addressed by standardized testing, which DoD component acquisition organizations should incorporate into the existing risk identification, mitigation, and acceptance process (DoD 2011i). The THA may also provide information relevant during JCIDS activities addressing proposed unique variations from the established standardized IM protocols (DoD 2011i).
Development of health-based environmental screening levels for insensitive munitions constituents
Published in Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 2021
Emily May Lent, Glenn Leach, Mark S. Johnson
Because traditional munitions are susceptible to inadvertent detonation due to mechanical shock, gunfire, and impact by shrapnel, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) established standards to improve the safety of munitions, requiring the development and use of Insensitive Munitions (IM) (Duncan 2002). Insensitive munitions are designed to fulfill their performance, readiness, and operational requirements while minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent initiation and severity of subsequent collateral damage when subjected to unplanned stimuli (Baker et al. 2018). Insensitive munitions are being developed as replacements for conventional energetics such TNT (2,4,6 trinitrotoluene) and RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine). Nitrotriazolone (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one; NTO), dinitroanisole (2,4-dinitroanisole; DNAN), and nitroguanidine (1-nitroguanidine; NQ) are components of several IM formulations such as IMX-101 and IMX-104. IMX-101 is planned for use in several weapons systems.