Minimizing masses in explosively driven two-shockwave physics applications

ORAL

Abstract

We have experimentally investigated different two-shockwave high-explosives (HE) physics package designs to maximize the variability of the second shockwave peak stress, while minimizing the total HE load of the physics tool. A critical requirement is to also have a large radial diameter of the second shockwave to maintain its value as an HE driven two-shockwave drive. We have previously shown that we could vary the peak-stress of the second-shockwave with a 76 mm diameter HE lens driving different composite boosters of PBX 9501 and TNT. Here we report on our results with a 56- and 50-mm diameter HE lens driving Baritol. The results indicate that the 56-mm diameter HE lens works well, as does the Baritol, giving total HE loads of about 250 mg TNT equivalent explosives.

Authors

  • William Buttler

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Frank J. Cherne

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • WX-9 Shock and Detonation Physics, Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Michael Furlanetto

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Jeremy Payton

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Joseph Stone

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Leonard Tabaka

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Samuel Vincent

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • Los Alamos Natl Lab