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Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't. agencies
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Other requests shall be referred to Picatinny
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W*M

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,J

SECO*iTViMrOl**TiOf*

COftRBCTlOM SHSCT
Developaent of Explosives - Metallised Explosives

Project Ho.:

Report No,: 1

TA3-50O1G

PA ifeflnrandua Report Ho,:

IR-AA

Date: 30 Sept 1953

*

la Tables la, lb, and Ie and in Figures 8 and 9 of PA Memorandum

Report Ho. lfl-44, the rate of detonation value for TNT should read
6706 <n rbers/second instead of 7708 asters/second as reported.

ft-env*.

jri. ?* s !?ilL

III
ill

ii
'
Jltl
Mi

S1U

^-"^"i^*^ ~*\si '--

&W
-"'~ TO

ri

nil

^tJIii

***!*..:? eral.

8M*^9?*PMW5f3^^

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DEVELOPMENT OF EXPLOSIVES - METALLIZED EXPLOSIVES

Project No. TA3-5001C-

Report No. 1

Plcatinr.y Arsenal Memorandum Report Nc. Uk

Date: 30 Sept 195?

Repc:
;rt by:

0 r"E.' leTfield
Chemi
Chemist.
(Exp)

J. E. Abel
Chemist (Exp)

H. E. LaBeur
Laboratory Assistant

Approved
Col, Ord
rd Corps
vJ
Chief, Technical Division

-&E $h tit
. r(
>

I:
i i

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Agency Performing Work.

Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, N. J.

Agency Authorizing Work:

0C0 - ORDTA

Project No

TA3-5001G

Project Title

Dev?lopinent of Explosives - Metallized Explosives

OBJECT

To investigate the properties of explosives containing aluminum or

other oxidizable matter and their effect on blast characteristics.
ABSTRACT
An investigation of some thirty metals, alloys or metallic compounds
in admixtures with TNT indicated tnat tin, aagr.eslum-aluminum alloy, titanium
hydride, and zirconium hydride should be of interest as additives in place of
aluminum in Tritonal. Many of the relationships between performance in terms
of brisance or power and readily determined or calculated thermocheraical properties, which have been shown to exist with pure explosives, were somewhat
obscure when applied to TNT-metal mixtures. Measurements of actual peak pressures developed from unconfined cylindrical charges detonated in air confirm
the prediction that tin appears worthy of furt'ier study. Tests of the other
promising additives in admixtures with TNT should be conducted using spherical
charges.
The direct substitution of magnesium-aluminum alloy for aluminum in
Torpex, resulted in a castable mixture having explosive properties and power
comparable to standard Torpex. Vrom the standpoint of improved stability,
such a substitution was indicated to be desirable. Modified Torpex-type
compositions containing up to 35 percent by weight of aluminum were castable
at 95^
A coarse, atomized aluminum powder permitted a greater amount of
RDX in the mixture than the finer specification material. However, on the
basis of ti?e explosive properties determined and the thermodynaalc power
calculated, none ?i tb* variations of Torpex studied in which the proportions
of the ingredients were changed would be superior to standard Torpex. Actual
blast measurement*of their effectiveness in open-air will be made to confirm
the above conclusions.

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INTRODUCTION:
1. The addition of aluminum to increase the power of explosives was
proposed by Escales in I899 and patented by Roth in 1900 (German Patent
172,327). Some recent studies directed towards establishment of the optimum
amount of aluminum for the maximum power from TNT/A1 explosives, have shown
that (l) the blast effect increased tc a maximum when the aluminum content
was 30 percent (Ref A); (2) the brieance, as measured by the Sand Test,
passed through a maximum at about 17 percent aluminum (Ref B); (3) in Fragmentation Tests, no maximum was observed- additions of aluminum caused a
decrease in fragmentation efficiency over the entire range from 0 to 70
percent aluminum content (Ref C), and (U) the rate of detonation of cast
charges was continuously decreased by additions of aluminum up to ho percent (Ref D). For all practical purposes, it was concluded that the addition
of 18 - 20 percent of aluminum to TNT improved its performance to a maximum.
This conclusion was in agreement with that of British investigators who
measured performance of aluminized mixtures based on extensive Lead Block
Test data (Ref E).
2. It was considered desirable that a preliminary study be made for
the purpose of finding other metal additives equal to or better than aluminum
in explosives. The addition of 20 percent cf selected metals, alloys or
metallic compounds as a direct replacement for the aluminum in 8o/20 Tritonal,
rather than the stoichiometric amounts based on assumed reactions, was chosen
because this percentage anproached the maximum amount which produced readily
castable mixtures in the temperature range normally used for pouring. X-ray
analysis of cast charges showed that when amounts greater than 20 percent of
high density materials were added to TNT, segregation, cavitation and piping
occurred much more frequently (Ref D).
3. The study of additives which were indicated to improve the performance of TNT, is being extended to include Torpex-type compositions. Variationn eonnidered in the foroex formulation wr# (l) n*t-'ll1c *dd1tivee other
than aluminum, (2) different granulations of RDX and aluminum, and (3) /arioua
percentages of RDX and aluminum, all with the aim of producing ^.stable compositions which might be expected to have improved blast properties.
k. This report, therefore, covers two phases of a laboratory investigation directed towards an evaluation on the basis of small-scale tests of both
modified 80/20 Tritonal (Part I) and modified Torpex (Part II).
DISCUSSION:
Part I
5. The effect of aluminum in explosive mixtures is attributed chiefly
to the heat evolved in its oxidation. A further advantage lies in the fact
that the AI2O-, formed may not remain as a solid but 'Vaporizes to a gas which
increases the over-all volume of gas and pressure developed by the explosive.
The boiling point of Al^O., ia only 2900C white the temperature developed on
explosion of aluminized mixtures is usually above 4500C. This fact may
account for the increases noted.

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6. The physical characteristics of the shock wave around an explosive

are described by gi\iag the peak pressure and impulse at various distances.
The peak pressure gives a measure of the maximum force which would be exerted
against a structure (pressure x area = force); the impulse gives a measure of
the force times the duration which, for an unsup;ported structure, is proportional to the velocity which would be given the structure. The following data
have been collected to show peak pressures and impulses for aluminized explosives in comparison with those values for non-aluminized explosives (Ref 7).
It should be noted that the pressure-time curves of alunlnized explosives
have higher "peaks", and the pressures do not fall as quickly as those which
are non-aluminized.
Aluminized Explosives
Composition, %

DBX

Minol-II

Torpex-II

px

TNT
RDX
Ammonium nitrate
Aluminum
Barium nitrate
Wax, % added

UO
?1
<J1
18

40

40
20
---

UO
42
-18
-

40
42
-18
-5

80

35

20

15
50

146

143

138

133

124

96

110
115
119

112

80/20

Ballistic Mortar
i TNT
Optn-Air Blast

(TNT in tests = 100 for reference)

Peak Pressure
Impulse
Energy

118
127
138

115
116
133

122
125
146

115
118
--

no

Non-Aluminlzed Explo sives

Composition, i
TNT
RDX
PBTN
Tetryl
AN
Wax, > added

PTX- 2 Comp B
28
40
44
60
-28
-
---1

PTX-1
20
30

50
---

50/50 Pentolite
50
-.
50

--

50/50 Amatol
50
-
-50
--

Ballistic Mortar
% TNT

Open-Air Blast
Peak Pressure
Impulse
Energy

126
132
138
133
(TNT in tests 100 for reference)
110
111
113
105
110
109
107
113
116

3
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124

97
87

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7- The measurement of pressure-time curves or blast characteristics

generally requires special gages, an electronic instrumentation system,
and several pounds of an explosive charge. Thesr t*>t< are expensive and
time consuming. In order to decrease the costs involved it was felt that
small-scale tests of other explosive characteristics might serve for preliminary evaluation of experimental mixtures. A further aim would be to
establish where possible, correlation between readily determined or calculated explosive prope: ;ies and the more difficulty determined blast properties. Using relationships between Sand Test values and air blast results
previously determined (Ref G), there are tabulated in Table I some measured
explosive properties and calculated blast data for TOT containing various
metallic additives. These blast data were calculated by means of equations
derived from least squares formulas (Pig l). Since existing Sand Test data
are obtained on samples having equal weight rather than equal volume, the
conversion factor
X = l.lUX - 16.8
Where
and

X = Sand Test x density (Volume basis)

X Observed Sand Tent x loading de.-sity (cast)

was derived and applied to measured Sand Test values. The validity of such
empirical relationships va3 tested with the following explosives for which
both measured Sand Test and measured blast data were available:

Explosive

Peak Pressure
Calr
Obs-

Impulse
Calc
Obs~

Energy
Calc
Ob s-

HBX

118

115

122

118

136

50/50 Pentolite

113

105

116

107

126

PTX-1

112

111

115

109

123

PTX-2

116

113

120

113

132

RDX Comp C-3

107

105

108

109

112

Avg Deviation
Avg % Deviation

/3-U
/3-1

/ 5
/U.3

Data taken from Ref F.

8. The effect of the addition of 20 percent of metals, alloys or other
addenda on the sensitivity and stability characteristics of TOT (Table I)
served to eliminate certain mixtures from further study. For reasons of
undue sensitivity to impact, the following materials were eliminated:
a.
b.
c.

Boron, amorphous
Silicon nitride
Zircon!'aa phosphate

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Only titanium was eliminated because of instability or senaitivity to heat.

The following were not considered for further stuly due to their excessive
cost at the present time:
a.
d.
e.

Bcron, amorphous
Aluminum borate
Boron nitride

I
\

Beryllium, in addition to being quite expensive ever, *hen contained in alloys,

should bt avoided as a component of explosive mixtures since its toxic and
hazardous properties are known (Ref H). For various other reasons, particularly
due to unavailability of sufficient material tests of the effect of the following addends were not completed:
f.
g.
h.
i.
J.
k.

Aluminum-silicon alloy
Calcium silicide
Ferrovan&dium
Magnesium silicide
Stainless steel
Titanium cyanonitride

Addends to TltT which appear of interest (Table I), in addition to aluminum,

include tin, titanium hydride, zinc, zirconium hyaride and zirconium-nickel
alloy.
9- A summary of thermochemical properties o various metals, alloys,
or metallic compounds in admixtures with TNT is given in Table II. The
method of calculating oxygen balance, heat of combustion, heat of explosion
and pow" has been described in detail (Ref J). The metal oxides used in
these calculations were in general those which coi respond to the predicted
valence given by the periodic table. Calculated lieat of combustion values
are in close agreement wiji values determined experimentally in the Parr
Boob. Calculated heat of explosion values were in all cases higher than
the determined values, several of which were about dj<..ule those obtained in
Parr Bomb tests. These data, plus the slightly lower calculated gas volumes,
indicate that
* course of the explosive reaction and the products formed
sy not be as a^umed. However, plot of these data showed an apparent correlation between all calculated values and those determined by standard
experimental methods.
10. The increase in power resulting from the addition of metals to
explosive compounds which are already deficient in oxygen, requires further
explanation. Metals b- ing strong oxygen acceptors, first product their
oxides and thus reduce the oxygen available for conversion of carbon to
carbon dioxide. Other gases formed are hydrogen and nitrogen, but the total
volume of gases is reduced by the formation of nongaseous solids. Although
the gas volume is reduced, there is a corresponding increase in the heat of
explosion due to the high heat of formation of metal oxides. This observation no doubt led Berthelot to combine these quartities in an expression
called the "Berthelot Product" or calculated power iWxE,
Where AV a volume of gases (cc)/gm explosive
Eg heat of explosion in cal/gm
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This product, calculated from determined gas volumes and determined heat of
explosion values, vftq not related to Ballistic Mortar in a manner similar
to that shown for pure explosive compounds (Fig 2). However, a plct of
Ballistic Mortar as a function of power derived from calculated aai. volume
and heat of explosion was, with few exceptions, practically linear (Fig 3)
Neither heat of explosion, nor heat of combustion alone, was sufficient to
establish any simple relationship with Ballistic Mortar values (Figs U & 5).
11. It has been shown that oxygen balance is a cOuouient parameter for
the estimation of power of military explosives which are single compounds or
mixtures of pure organic compounds (Ref K). A similar conclusion was reached
using heat of explosion (Ref I). However, it appears also that oxygen balance
may not be sufficient for the approximation of power of metallized explosives
(Fig 6). The maximum power, as measured by the Ballistic Mortar, was given
by TNT containing 20 percent of aluminum. Those metals or additives which
resulted in mixtures having lower oxygen balance did not show a maximum in
the ragion approaching zero oxygen balance. The exact point of maximum power
could not be estimated because of t^ee limited data, yet the Ballistic Morter
values wers found not to vary directly as did those mixtures of pure organic
compounds (Fig 7). The idealized curve was determined from existing data by
the method of least squares (See Fig 50 of Ref j).
12. A relationship between oxygen balance and rate of detonation of
met1lized TNT alsc was somewhat obscure (Fig 8). It is of interest, however, that c. number of the materials produced mixtures having higher rates
of detonation than that produced by aluminum and TNT. The proportionality
between brisance and rate of detonation for pure exclusive compounds (Fig 9),
was not applicable to metallized TNT mixtures. A number of additives, although giving a lower brisance than aluminum with TNT. did not depress the
rate of detonation of TNT as much as aluminum. The lack of apparent correlation between readily determined or calculated explosive properties and those
tests which claim to measure power, indicates that other factors not previously considered, must be involved. Extensive investigations made both by
British and American workers show that the relative effectiveness of explosives detonated in an enclosed space was quite different from the effect of
the same explosives detonated in the open.
13. Actual measurements of peak pressure made on cylindrical charges
(3-31 inches diameter by 1.6U inch high) having equal volume (232.8 cc),
gave average values shown in Table III. For purposes of comparing the
relative effectiveness of these experimental charges, the data were converted to average equivalent volume and average equivalent weight (Table IV)
by methods previously devised for this purpose (Ref X). A brief explanation
of the method of calculation will make clear its purpose. The peak pressuredistance data of the standard explosive and the test explosives, when plotted
on log-log graph paper, show the relationship in Fig 9a. The slopes of the
curves generally change in a similar fashion. The relative pressure method
compares the ratio of the pressure of the test explosive to the pressure of
the standard explosive at each test distance. A sufficiently good approximation results from relating an average relative pressure; thus the individual

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pressure rst^ua are averaged and comparisons are made for only one point
along the curve (Fig_9a). Average equivalent weight (E.W) or average
equivalent volume (EV) is defined as the ratio of the weight or volume of
a standard explosive (TNT) tc the weight or volume of a test explosive that
will produce equal impulses or equal peak pressures at the same distance.
1U. Comparison of the effectiveness of different addends to TNT (Table
IV), either on the basis of average relative pressures (K) or equivalent
volume and equivalent weight, shows the superiority of aluminum powder over
other additives. Tin appears to be worthy of furtner study in lulo respect.
The precision indices of these measurements, as Indicated by the standard
deviation,, ehould be improved by the use of spherical charges in future tests.
However, the errors introduced seem to be consistent throughout the teat and
the results, therefore, are significant in comparing the contribution of
different substances towards increasing the olast potential of TNT.
Part II
15. Torpux, a caststle high explosive consisting of RDX, TNT and aluminum
powder, waa aeveloped in England during World War II for use as a filler in
warneads, min^s, and depth bcsibs. The presence of alximinum in the mixture
increases its blast effect in both air and water. Several variation* in the
composition or Torpex have been tebted but the following are a?ong those
used in service icunitions (Ref N):

Torpex 2
Unwaxed

RDX, %

42

TNT, i

1*0

Alumirua, %
Wax, %

ifl

Torpex g
Waxed
1*1.6
39-7
18.0
0.7

Calcium Chloride, >

Torpex 3
1*1.4
39-5
17.9
0.7
0.5

2. Made from Composition B-2 or 60/1*0 Cyclotol.

Made by the addition of aluminum to Composition B.
- Mad by addition of Ca Cf2 to Torpex 2.
The preseii.e of wax in Torpex has: the undesirable effect of (l) t^niing to
coagulate the aluminum, thus giving a less homogeneous and more viscous
product, (2) lowering the density of the cast explosive, 1.72 - 1-75 *s
compared vith 1.66 - I.70 obtained with waxed Torpex, and (3) lowering the
compressive strength from 3700 psi to 1970 psi for waxed Torpex. However,
wax i<? generally used in service Torpex for reasons of safety, since there
is evidence that its presence lowers the sensitivity of the explosive to
impact as measured by laboratory drop tests and bullet sensitivity tests of
small chargee (Ref N).

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16. Dry Torpex possesses satisfactory stability characteristics; however, when moiBture is present, there is a tendency to evolve gas due
to the reaction of moisture with the aluminum. It has been shown that
this gas formation can be inhibited satisfactorily by the addition of 0.5
percent calcium chloride (Ref 0). Because cf its insolubility and nonreactivity In case of excess moisture, silica gel was considered preferable to calcium chloride (Ref P). Storage tests have shown that if
the moisture contents of Torpex 1 and Tritonal did not exceed the maximum amounts permitted by their specifications, neither explosive wiu affected significantly with respect to stability during 2 years' storage at
6sC (Ref Q).
17. A study of the reactivity of aluminum, magnesium and magnesiumaluminum alloy with water at room temperature over a 2U-hour period,
showed the following results (Ref R):
Wt of Sample,
Grams

Treatment of Metal or Allov

Action of Water
Ml Hg Evolved

Aluminum,. Gd h. untrpated

10

100

Magnesium. Gd A, untreated
Treated w/5^ Na dichromate

?
10

2.U

Magnesium, Gd B, untreated
Treated w/s Na dichromate

2
2

1.1*

Magnesium, Gd C, untreated
Treated v/5% Na dichromate

10
10

l60
0.7

50/50 Mg-Al Alloy, untreated

Treated v/5% Na dichromate^

10
10

15
O.U

65/35 Mg-Al Alloy, untreated

Treated w/5^ Na dichromate ~

10
10

113
0.2

36
77

Dichrcmating solution about 100C

It was foond that th'i finer the granulation of the metal, the greater the
reactivity with water. Thus, magnesium, Grade B, now designated as Type
III, granulation No. 16 (Spec JAN-M-382A, 23 June I9U9), which is 200 mesh
or finer, gave 77 ml of hydrogen for a 2 gram sample, whereas magnesium,
Grade C, now designated as Type II, granulation No. Ik, which is 50/IOO
mesh, gave 32 ml of hydrogen for the same weight of sample. Magnesium,
Grade A, now designated as Type I, flaked and/or chip, was comparable in
granulation to Type II magnesium and gave 36 ml of hydrogen gas. Aluminum,
Grade B of 100 mesh granulation, appeared to be comparable in reactivity to
Grade C magnesium, although direct comparison can not be made from the above
data. The magnesium-aluminum alloy was found to be much less reactive with
water than either magnesium or aluminum powder alone. It is significant

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that the treatment of all these metals vith a solution of sodium dichromate
produced inorganic coatings which rendered the metals much less reactive
with water than the untreated tol (Ref R).
18. A previous report (Ref S) notes the observation that ohe addition
of small percentages of aluminum powder (if of 16 micron average particle
size) to high RDX content Cyclotol improved its pourability. However, viscosity determinations made with the Stormtr Viscosimeter indicated an increase in viscosity vith the addition of aluminum. Further work in which
different granulations of aluminum were used showed that the addition o:*
coarse aluminum (50/l00) to 75/25 Cyclotol improved its pourability and reduced viscosity, whereas the addition of finer aluminum (Type C, Class C
and material 100^ thru 200 mesh) decreased the pourability and increased
viscosity. In connection with the above studies and the study of metallized
explosives, it was considered desirable to determine the maximum amount cf
RDX which could be added to a Torpex-type composition, containing 30 - 35
percent of aluminum, and st^ll retain satisfactory pourability. These data,
collected in Table V, show that (a) Torpex-type compositions which contain
30 - 35 percent aluminum were castable at practical temperatures and (b)
the use of the special grade of coarse, atomized aluminum permitted a greater
amount of RDX than the finer specification grade, Type C, Class C aluminum.
Torpex-type compositions, not shown in Table V but in which higher percentages
of either RDX or aluminum were used, did not produce pourable mixtures of
these ingredients. Calculated blast characteristics, based on the empirical
relationship with brisance (Fig l) indicate the superiority of specification
aluminum over a coarse, special granulation aluminum (Table V).
19. Inspection of the Ballistic Mortar data and the calculated power
(Table VI) developed by these modified Torpex-type compositions raises
doubt as to the desirability of decreasing the TNT content r.ud Increasing
the percentage of aluminum at *h* eame time. A recent study of bubble
p\)lses from 1-lb charges of FDX/TRr/aluminum mixtures in which the percentage of aluminum was varied from 0 to 1*5 percent, showed that as the aluminum
content increased, the bubble pressure and energy decreased (Ref U). Based
on open-air blast measurements of 9-lb charges, the optimum aluminum content
in the RDX/TNT/Ai system was established at 20 to 28 percent, the percentage
depending on whether pressure, impulse, weight or volume of charge was of
interest (w). Th- calculated power (from Table II) wbn expressed in terms
of percent TOT (obtained by dividing ft lbs/gm by the nRT value for TNT
of 7Clft-Ib/gm times 100), showed that none o^ the variations of the Torpex
formulation was comparable to standard Torpex:

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Composition, %
RDX/TNT/AI

Calculated Power, nRT

AlgO? assumed
Al^Cu assumed
solid, i TOT
gaseous, % TNT

Observed
Ballistic Mortar
values, $ TNT

w/Specification Al
42/4o/l3 (Std Torpex)

141

131

128

kk/26/30

106

112

105

41.8/26.2/32

93

102

111

42.1/24.9/33

94

105

104

39/' 6/35

90

95

100

107

113

91

42.8/25.2/32

96

106

100

42.1/24.9/33

94

104

95

41/24/35

91

97

100

w/Dow Special Al
45/25/30

20. It leaf interest to note in the above data that calculations were
made assuming the metal oxide (AlgOo) to be either solid or gaseous at
the detonation temperatures. The true values for the heat of explosion
and adiabatic flame temperature may lie between the "solid" and "gaseous"
values, although only standard Torpex shows the relationship of higher
values for A^O, solid than AI2O, gaseous. Correlation between the power,
thus calculated, and the observed Ballistic Mortar values generally has
shown a direct relationship on a 45 line (Ref V), but these data appear
to obscure such a relationship (Fig 10). Any discrepancy which exists is
believed to be due to errors in observed Ballistic Mortar values rather than
to the calculited power values. In the case of Tritonals, it has been shown
that the optimum percent of aluminum and the maxima of the curves (Fig 11)
relative to power were in agreement with respect to both calculated nRT and
Ballistic Mortar value". Calculated power values were slightly lower than
the observed power, but in the range 0 to 23 percent aluminum, calculated
nRT values for AlgO^ soiid were higher than AlgO, gaseous, whereas above
23 percent aluminum, the reverse was true (Fig ll). This observation for
Tritonal appears to be in agreement with similar data calculated for modified
Torpex-type compositions (Table VI).
21. The advantages of the thermodynamic system of calculating the power
of explosives, as compared with the method for obtaining the Berthelot
"characteristic product", have been described in detail (Ref V). This
system takes into account the variation of the specific heat for the various
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product gases over the temperature range Involved. Th explosion temperatures, thus calculated, are somewhat more realistic although such values
may not represent true temperatures. The bases for the determination of
the power cr PV work product of an explosive upon detonation, is the expression
PV R-T-n
where

obtained from

R = the universal gas constant or

1.987 cal/K/mole
T = the adiabatic flame temperature is
V
3E_
x 10-> .<ith
T = 298 / nCy
QE heat of explosion at constant volume in
k cal/mole
7\ - number of moles of gas formed
C = average heat capacity in cal/mole

22. As mentioned in paragraph 16 different granulations of aluminum

powder wers known to affect pourabilicy and viscosit. of an explosive mixture,
bt "Ht.f.e was known as to the effect on power, brisance and other explosive
properties. A comparison of some results from t&e use of speulfic&ticss
grade aluminum; Dow special of coarse granulation, and a 6 micron average
particle size aluminum powder is shown in Table VII. The Ballistic Mortar
value of such Torpex was unaffected; however, both special granulations of
aluminum caused significant decreases in impact sensitivity values, and
the coarse material also lowered the brisance value. The effect on peak
pressure and impulse developed by Torpex containing different granulations
of aluoin-'ja must be determined by open-air blast measurements. Calculation
of power as described in paragraph 21 makes no provisions for variations in
particle size of the ingredients of an explosive mixiurs.
23. Of the other metal substitutes used in place of aluminum in Torpex,
the 65/35 magnesium-aluminum alloy appears tc be the most satisfactory (Table
VII). The reactivity of magnesium-aluminum alloys with water Is much less
than that of either magnesium or aluminum powder alone and the dichromate
treatment of the alloy would render this material practically inactive with
respect to moisture (Paragraph 17). There was little change in the properties of the explosive mixture when a direct substitution of 65/35 Mg-Al
alloy was made for the aluminum normally used (Table VII). The decrease
noted in the impact sensitivity value was not sufficient to eliminate Mg-Al
alloy as a suitable substitute for aluminum. The calculated nRT values
shown uelow indicate the power obtainable from m Mg-Al alloy containing
Torpex would be comparable to that of standard Torpex. The metal oxides
produced should be assumed solid rather than gaseous, since the calculated
adiabatic flame temperatures, when assumed gaseous, are less than the boiling points of the oxides (Table VI). Observed Ballistic Mortar values confirm the PV work product predicted for Mg-Al alloy Torpex:

11

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SECURITY INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

Calculated Power, nRT

Oxides assumed Oxides assumed
soMd, jL TOT
gaseous, j, TNT

Composition, %
RDX/TNT/metal
U2/UO/18 Al (Std Torpex)
42/U0/18 Mg-Ai alloy
U2/U0/18 Magnesium

1U1
135
129

Observed
Ballistic Mortar
Values, $ TNT
128
125

131
99
105

The other metallic additives gave Ballistic Mortar Values which were
too low for their consideration as replacements Tor aluminum in Torpex.
2k. Future work on Torpex-type compositions will include calculation
of the PV work p oduct of the gases of detonation to indicate the
optimum proportion* of the RDX/TNT/metal system which should result in
maximum power. The composition thus obtained and those containing the
dichromated magnesiuo-aluminum alloy will be tested for blast effectiveness
Open air blast measurement will also be mede on compositions suggested by
OcO - ORDTA in which aluminum is substituted on a volume basis for RDX of
the same grist.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDliRES:
25. The characteristics of the ingredients used in this 3tudy were
as follows:
a. RDX, lolston Lot E-2-5, about 60% of which was coarser than
50 mesh, had a calculated specific surface of approximately 5CO sq cm/gm
and an apparent density of 1,36 gm/cc- This material is described in
detail in PA Technical Report No- YJkl.
b. TNT, Keystone Lot 237U, used in all compositions, had a
solidification point of 80 5C and complied with Specification JAN-T-2U8
for Grade I material.
c. RDX, Type B, Class A, complied with the requirements of
Specification JAN-R-398.
d. The 65/35 magnesium-aluminum alloy, Type B, complied with
the requirements of Specification JAN-M-U5U.
e.
Granulation
Thru US 8td
Sieve No.

12
20
UO
100
200
230
325 (min)
325 (max)

Granulation of aluminum powder used:

Spec ification
Grade
Type C, Class C
---98.0
80.0
-_
65.O
90.0

Dow Chem Co
Spherical
Aluminum
100.0
98.8
83.I

12

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

Special
Granulation

30.U

8.0
U.8
2.9
Avg particle

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

26. Preparation of Migh RDX Content Torpex-Tyge Compositions - The

TNT was melted on a steam bath at approximately 95 C, aluminum ~nd RDX
were added, and the 100-gram sample was stirred while on the steam bath
for at least fifteen minutes. The proportions of the ingredierts were
varied until the maximum amount of RDX and aluminum were added, and the
result''^ composition was still pcurable at reasonable temperatures.
SampleB were poured at the lowest temperature at which they appeared to
be of satisfactory fluidity. By pouring the mixtures into glass vials,
3" x 3A"> it was possible to note the fluidity of the molten mass while
being cast and also to note evidences of cavitation.
27. Cast Density - Determined with Westphal Specific Gravity Chain
Balance (lohwald Improved) Model No. A^-012 previously checked using
distilled water at 20C. Cylindrical charges, approximately 5/8" in
diameter and l" long (obtained by breaking the above glass vials)and
weighing 20-2'j grams in air were used for cast density measurements.
28. Viscosities - A modified Stormer Viscosimeter,equipped with a
propeller-type rotor and with the standard cup replaced by a copper beaker,
was used. Calibration was made with NRfi standard viacuoiiy samples. The
copper beaker was filled with sample to a specified depth (aprx 180 gms),
the rotcr immersed to a mark on the shaft, and Ihe driving weight varied
until 100 revolutions were made by the rotor in thirty seconds. Temperature of the sample, maintained by circulating hot water from a thermostatically controlled bath through the sample Jacket, was constant during
measurements. An auxiliary bath was used to preheat the samples for thirty
siir:utc3, alightiy above the test temperature, prior to viscosity determinations. The viscosity measurement of each sample was made first at 90^C
and then at 85C.
29. Laboratory determinations of Explosior Temperature, Impact Test,
100C leat Test, 120C Vacuum Scabllity Ter.t and Sand Test were made by
the standard procedures as described in Picatinny Arsenal Technical
Report No. IkOl, Revision 1, "Standard Laboratory Procedures for Sensitivity, Brisance and Stability of Explosives", A. J. Clear, 28 February 1950.
30- The Ballistic Mortar test was made by the standard procedure
described in Picatinny Arsenal Testing Manual No. 7-2, "Ballistic Mortar
Test", J. I. Mclvor, 8 May 1950.
31. The rates of detonation of the cast charges having diameters of
approximately 1 inch were determined by means of the high-speed rotating
drum camera equipment at this Arsenal.
32. Meat of Combustion - The double valve self-sealing Parr Bomb,
No. 101 Al 202, was used for the heat of combustion; the water equivalent
for this was 2779 Cal/C. One ml of distilled water was placed in the
bottom of the bomb. The bomb was flushed two times vith oxygen at 10
atmospheres and filled with oxygen at 30 atmospheres pressure. A single
strand of iron wire was used for Ignition and a correction of 2 calories
per inch was allowed. The customary tltratlon and correction for acid
was made.
13

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SECURITY INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORUu-n

33- lest of gxplo3lon - The double valve self-sealing Parr Bomb was
used. The loading density at which the determinations were made was
0.015 gm/ml. Ail tests of thoroughly blended powders were conducted after
the bomb had been flushed twice with purified nitrogen at 10 atmospheres
and then filled with nitrogen at 25 atmospheres pressure.
3^. Volume of Water at SPT - The amount of water was determined by
passing the gases, after the bomb cooled to room temperature, slowly out
of the needle valve and through a weighed drying tube containing anhydrous
calcium chloride. After the bomb reached atmospheric pressure, the head
was dried with a small pellet of cotton which was dropped into the bomb.
The bomb was closed by means of a rubber stopper fitted with a glass ^.ibe
connected to a vacuum pump. This was evacuated for 15 minutes at room
temperature, after which time the bomb was placed in a beaker of near
boiling water and the evacuation was continued an additional 15 minutes.
The hot water was replaced with near boiling water and after another 15
minutes of evacuation, the drying tube was disconnected and weighed. This
process was repeated at 15 minute intervals until the drying tube had a
constant weight of 3 milligrams.
The weight of water was calculated as follows:
Weight of Water, gra/gm sample Where

A
B
C
D

=
=
=
=

A - B

Final weight of drying tube, grams

Initial weight of drying tube, grams
Weight of sample., grams
Weight of ammonium formed by sample, gm/gm

The volume oi* water was obtained as follows:

Volume of Water, ml/gm = "^y^/^e' ^**

X 22k

Cc/m le

35. Open-Air Blast Tests - Measurements of the blast characteristics

of the explosive charges were made with the aid of an eight-channel oscillograph recording and calibrating unit. The cast cylindrical charges
measured &.h cm in diameter and k.2 cm in height, contained a 1" x 1"
cylindrical cavity for a Tetryl booster and weighed approximately 3A ot
a pound. Air blast gages utilising barium titanate crystals were standardized in the field by measuring accurately the velocity of shock waves
and utilizing established relationships between velocity and peak pressure
(See Ballistics Research Laboratory Report No. 336). Pressure-distance
curves for TNT demolition blocks were subsequently run and checked with
the theoretical and experimental results listed by Kirkwood and Brinklcy
In OSRD Report No. 5137 and thus gave an independent check on the accuracy
of the calibration. All firings were made with six gages placed at distances
of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 feet in an improved charge suspension system at
the testing range. Pressure-distance curves were obtained by enlargement
of 35-mm film which recorded the trace made on the oscillograph by detonation of an explosive charge.
14

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

HI

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

REFERENCES:
A.

V. B. Kennedy, R. F. Arentzen and C. W. Tait, OSRD Report

No k6k9, Division 2 Monthly Report No. AES-6,
Survey of
the Performance of TWT/Al on the Basis of Air-Blast Pressure
and Impulse;' 25 Jan 19^5-

B.

V. R. Tomlinson, Jr., Picatlnny Arsenal Technical Report

No. 1290, "Develop New ligh Explosive Tiller for AP Shot ,
First Progress Report, 19 May 19*0.

C.

V. R. Tomlinson, Jr., Picatlnny Arsenal Technical Report

No. 1380, "Develop New ligh Explosive Filler for AP Shot ,
Second Progress Report, 12 Jan 19U4.

L. S. Wise, r-icatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1550,

"Effect of Aluminum on the Rate of Detonation of TNT ,
26 July 19^5-

E.

British Report AC-543Y, Tne affect ox Aluminum Ou the fever

of Explosives", 6 June 19^h

F.

W. R. Tomlinr.cn, Jr.,Picatlnny Arsenal Technical Report

No. 17U0, "Properties of Explosives of Mixxtary Intelest ,
20 June 19*9-

G.

W. R. Tomlinson, Jr., Picatinny Arsenal technical Division

Lecture, "Blast Effects of Bomb Explosives , 9 April 19*0
(based on BRL Report No. 1*77 and other references).

I.

N. I. Sax, "landbook of Dangerous Materials", p k6,

Reinhold Publishing Corp, N. T., 1951-

I.

Arthur D. Little, Inc Report "Study of Pure Explosive

impounds", Part II Correlation of Thermal Quantities with
Explosive Properties, 2 April 19^7.

J.

Arthur D. Little, Inc Report "Study of ^* E*0JV'ture8

Compounds", Part III Correlation of Composition of Mixtures
with Performance, 1 May 1952.

K.

Arthur D. Little, Inc Report "Study of p,re0JxP1J8iveu,th

Compounds", Part I Correlation of Organic Structure with
Explosive Properties from Existing Data, * jan 19^7-

L.

CO. Dunkle, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report Ho. 11*5,

"Study Fundamental Properties of ligh Explosives , Third
Progress Report, 22 January 19*2.

15
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

r
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

REFERENCES:

(Coat)

M.

Wm I. Rtnkenbach, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1352,

"Study Fundamental Properties of ligh Explosives", Fifth Progress
Report, 2 Oct 1943

N.

Philip C. Keenan, U. S. Navy Dept, Bureau of Ordnance, Explosive

Research Memorandum Report No. 2k, "Properties of Torpex",
January 19^5

0.

F. I. Westheimer and J. W. Dawson, OSRD Report No. 4085, "The

Gas Evolution from Torpex", 1 September 1944.

P.

K. S. Warren, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1560,"Study

of Effects of Moisture on 8o/20 Tritonal, 23 August 19^5-

Q.

W. R. Tomlinson, Jr and L. I. Eriksen, Picatinny Arsenal Technical

Report No. 1635, "Stability Tests of Aluininized Explosives",
21 October 1946.

R.

David lart, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report No. 1403 "Coating

Agents for Magnesium and Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy", 21 March 194+.

S.

D. C. McLean and J. E. Abel, Picatinny Arsenal Technical Report

No. 1793, "A Study of Various Solvents and Solvent Mixtures for
RDX, and Investigation of the Effect of Surface Active Agents on
the Viscosity of ligh RDX Content Cyclotols", Report No. *, 4 Dec
1950.

T.

E. A. Christian , J. A. Goertner, J. P. Slifko and E. Swift Jr.,

U. 8. Naval Ordnance Laboratory Rerort No. 2277, "The Effect of
Aluminum on Underwater Explosive Performance: Bubble Pulse Parameters from 1-lb Charges", 1 Jan 1952.

U.

Arthur D. Little, Inc. Report "Study of Pure Explosive Compounds",

Part IV Calculation of leat of Combustion of Organic Compounds
from Structural Features an<? Calculation of Power of ligh Explosives,
1 May 1952.

V.

E. M. Fisher, NAVORD Report No. 2348, "The Determination of the

Optimum Air Blast Mixture of Explosives in the RDX/TNT/Aiuminum
System", 12 March 1952.

W.

J. Maser jian and E. M. Fisher, NAVORD Report No. 2264 "Determination of Average Equivalent Weight and Average Equivalent
Volume and their Precision Indexes for Comparison of Explosives
in Air", 2 November 1951-

INCLOSURES:
1-7
Tables La,b, & c thru VII
8-16 Figures 1 thru 11
lb

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

INFORMATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The assistance of the Physical Research Section and particularly
Dr. E. N. Clark and Mr. F. ". Schmitt, in conducting the blast teats and
obtaining preeaure-Jistance decay "urves, is hereby acknowledged. A detailed report of the test procedure will be issued by the Physical Research
Section.

17

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

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60
90
X
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TEST

100

BLAST
VALUES

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CONFIDENTIAL

cc* ^2 -

NFC^Mflf ON

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

RELATION

BETWEEN

(BERTHELOT
MORTAR

INFORMATION

CALCULATED

PRODUCT)

VALUES

FOR

AND

POWER

BALLISTIC

60/20

TNT/ADUEND

MIXTURES

SECUMTY

INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
!

i
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POWER ,

CALCULATED (0)

100
.

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CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

RELATION
FROM

INFORMATION

BETWEEN

CALCULATED

CALCULATED
(BERTHELOT
MORTAR

POWER
GAS

HEAT

VOLUME

OF

PRODUCT)

VALUES

FOR

DERIVED

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AND BALLISTIC
80/20

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130

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FIG. 3

60

80
100
120
140
POWER ,
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SECURITY

INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL

160
% TNT

180

CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

RELATION
150

AND

BETWEEN

BALLISTIC

80/20

INFORMATION

HEAT

MORTAR

TNT/ADDEND

OF

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FIG.
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300
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CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

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AND

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INFORMATION

OXYGEN

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CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

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AND

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RATE

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CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY

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RATE
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INFORMATION

BETWEEN
OF

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50
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EMPIRICAL
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0.700

INFORMATION

RELATIONSHIP
AND

DISTANCE

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IDEALIZED

Al, Al203(^)
CURVE

BALLISTIC

FOR

COMPOSITIONS

GO. Al, Al803 U)

GO. Al, Al203 (f)
SPECIAL

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AS

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SECURITY

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MC-rfTAR

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II

INf'OftMAT'ON

CONFIDENTIAL