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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

SAPS-associated explosive brightening on the dusk-side: A new type of onset-like disturbance: A new type of onset-like disturbance

Quasi-periodic energetic particle injections have been observed at geosynchronous orbit on the dusk-side during a steady magnetospheric convection event. Here, we examine high resolution auroral imager data and ground magnetometer data associated with the first of these injections and conclude that it was not associated with classical substorm signatures. It is proposed that these injections are caused by the explosive non-linear growth of a shear-flow-ballooning instability in the region where sub-auroral polarization streams (SAPS) also occur. It is suggested that interchange will occur preferentially in the low-conductivity SAPS region since the magnetic Richardson number is lowest there and the ‘line-tying’ effect will also be least stabilizing there. We also propose that the observed particle injection signatures and auroral morphology constitute a new type of SAPS-associated explosive ‘onset-like’ disturbance that can occur during intervals of strong convection.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Compatibility Screening of Explosive‐Inert Mixtures

Inert materials are necessary components in explosive devices and they must be tested for compatibility with the explosive materials to ensure that the device will function as expected over its lifetime in representative environments. True compatibility testing is time-consuming and expensive and so compatibility screening is often used as an early assessment. The screening is carried out with analytical methods run at temperatures exceeding those that the device will encounter in its lifetime. Shortcomings of this approach are discussed and improvements using a transient contact method and microcalorimetry are proposed. Typical screening results and microcalorimetry results are compared for a polyurethane adhesive—PBX 9502 combination.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Elasticity of crystalline molecular explosives

Crystalline molecular explosives are key components of engineered explosive formulations. In precision applications a high degree of consistency and predictability is desired under a range of conditions to a variety of stimuli. Prediction of behaviors from mechanical response and failure to detonation initiation and detonation performance of the material is linked to accurate knowledge of the material structure and first stage of deformation: elasticity. The elastic response of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), and cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX), including aspects of material and measurement variability, and computational methods are described in detail. Experimental determinations of elastic tensors are compared, and an evaluation of sources of error is presented. Furthermore, computed elastic constants are also compared for these materials and for triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB), for which there are no measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Evaluation of the Deuterium Isotope Effect in the Detonation of Aluminum Containing Explosives

During or shortly after a detonation in condensed explosives, the reaction rates and the physical mechanism controlling aluminum reaction is poorly understood. We utilize the kinetic isotope effect to probe Al reactions in detonation product gases in aluminized, protonated and deuterated high explosives using high-fidelity detonation velocity and cylinder wall expansion velocity measurements. By observation of the profile of cylinder wall velocity versus time, we are able to determine the timing of aluminum contribution to energy release in product gases and observe the presence or absence of rate changes isotopic substitution. By comparison of the Al oxidation with lithium fluoride (LiF), data indicate that Al oxidation occurs on an extremely fast time scale, with post-detonation kinetic isotope effects observed in carbon containing formulations.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling Microstructural Effects on Heterogeneous Temperature Fields within Polycrystalline Explosives

The paper addresses the role of crystal anisotropy on the evolution of heterogeneous temperature fields in plastic-bonded explosives (PBXs) under conditions of weak shock. The modeling approach is based on simplified idealizations of PBX microstructure including RDX grains and estane binder regions subjected to velocity boundary conditions representative of impact conditions in situ. The constitutive description of the microstructure constituents includes a dislocation-based, anisotropic, single crystal plasticity model for the explosive grains and a linear viscoelastic model to represent the estane binder. Large suites of simulations were used to systematically study the correlation in heating of the grains with local wave dynamics, crystal orientation, and the microstructural neighborhood. These correlations were identified through the selection of characteristics of crystal anisotropy including oriented wave speeds and Taylor factor. A key observation is that the wave dispersion within a certain distance from the impact interface plays a dominant role in the temperature field. Beyond this distance, individual crystal orientations play a more dominant role, but cannot entirely account for the observed heterogeneity without consideration of the local microstructure neighborhood.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterization and response of three TNT equivalent materials in subsurface explosions

Energetic compositions utilized for inducing seismic responses are often referred to in terms of their TNT equivalent, a metric which is often misused because observations of interest are not often understood with respect to explosive characteristics. Here, in this investigation, we characterize three energetic compositions used to elicit seismic responses in a highly instrumented testbed to further our understanding of subsurface TNT equivalence. Three different energetic sources are prepared and studied for their fidelity to thermochemically predicted detonation behavior. We present effects of subsurface detonation on subsurface rock and seismic emission as a function of energetic source material within the testbed. Field experiments were conducted using a single thermochemical yield of 5 kg using diverse sources consisting of nitromethane, ammonal, and PBXN‐5 (an HMX based plastic bonded explosive) mixtures at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center in Socorro, New Mexico. Relative performance of energy density‐related detonation parameters, such as detonation velocity and pressure, affect the observed response in the subsurface. Most notable, equal thermochemical yields described in terms of TNT equivalence do not correlate to equal thermochemical effects in the subsurface.

Blue Canyon Dome↗
DOE OSTI2026

AWSD Reactive Burn Model for the HMX‐Based High Explosive LX‐04

An Arrhenius–Wescott–Stewart–Davis (AWSD) reactive burn model is applied to describe shock initiation and detonation properties of the HMX-based high explosive LX-04. The parameters in the model are calibrated to data from multiple sources. The thermodynamic equations of state used in the model are calibrated to a combination of thermochemical calculations for HMX and LX-04 as well as experimentally-measured cylinder expansion results for LX-04. The kinetic parameters are calibrated to velocity data from gas gun experiments performed using EDC-32—a high explosive with the same chemical composition as LX-04 but different structural properties, and scaled rate stick data for PBX 9012. The AWSD model is shown to accurately describe the shock initiation and propagation of LX-04. Very good agreement is observed between the available experimental data and the AWSD model output. The presented results constitute an accurate LX-04 reactive burn model for use in engineering-scale models and simulations.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2015

An explosion aftershock model with application to on-site inspection

An estimate of aftershock activity due to a theoretical underground nuclear explosion is produced using an aftershock rate model. The model is developed with data from the Nevada National Security Site, formerly known as the Nevada Test Site, and the Semipalatinsk Test Site, which we take to represent soft-rock and hard-rock testing environments, respectively. Estimates of expected magnitude and number of aftershocks are calculated using the models for different testing and inspection scenarios. These estimates can help inform the Seismic Aftershock Monitoring System (SAMS) deployment in a potential Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty On-Site Inspection (OSI), by giving the OSI team a probabilistic assessment of potential aftershocks in the Inspection Area (IA). The aftershock assessment, combined with an estimate of the background seismicity in the IA and an empirically derived map of threshold magnitude for the SAMS network, could aid the OSI team in reporting. Here, we apply the hard-rock model to a M5 event and combine it with the very sensitive detection threshold for OSI sensors to show that tens of events per day are expected up to a month after an explosion measured several kilometers away.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Performance Assessment of the CTBTO Noble Gas Network to Detect Nuclear Explosions

Atmospheric radioxenon levels are monitored worldwide by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) to detect emissions from nuclear explo-sions. Our paper examines the global network that has been set up to take routine air samples and to determine the atmospheric radioxenon concentrations. It is hypothesised that the monitoring system aims at the detection and localisation of radioxenon relea-ses. Both capabilities are dependent on background levels, explosive yields, leakage rates, transport time, choice of xenon isotope and number and locations of monitoring stations. And for each parameter, the global capabilities to detect and localise emissions from nuclear explosions are analysed. Recommendations for the future of the background sources and the development of the monitoring system are derived.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Dynamic Networks Experiments: Virtual Experiments to Quantify Gains in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring

We describe an ongoing series of virtual experiments conducted collaboratively by four United States National Laboratories: Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. These Dynamic Network Experiments (DNEs) provide an experimental framework to evaluate the potential impact of new research tools on nuclear explosion monitoring. The second DNE (DNE2), completed in 2024, exploited waveform data (seismic, infrasound, and electromagnetic) that was recorded by multi-modal sensors within and near the Nevada National Security Site and synthetic radionuclide signatures over multiple time periods. During the execution of DNE2, we processed and analyzed data through a multi-stage event processing pipeline that ingested raw data, performed quality control, detected signals, built events from these signals, located these events, and characterized the events’ source types and sizes. For each stage and over the entire event processing pipeline, we evaluated performance changes by comparing the performance of new data processing methods, models, and algorithms against a baseline. We also performed an additional execution phase to assess event processing pipeline function, speed, and efficiency against that of an expert analyst, including computational and manual efforts. Finally, we assessed the impact and effort of modern computing infrastructure on the monitoring pipeline. This paper describes key elements of the DNEs, from formulation through execution, as demonstrated in DNE2. The DNEs introduce several novel concepts to quantitatively measure the potential impact of new methods on explosion monitoring, including the collaborative design of multi-modal datasets, performance and logistical metrics, and integrated analyses.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

MeMoVolc report on classification and dynamics of volcanic explosive eruptions

Classifications of volcanic eruptions were first introduced in the early twentieth century mostly based on qualitative observations of eruptive activity, and over time, they have gradually been developed to incorporate more quantitative descriptions of the eruptive products from both deposits and observations of active volcanoes. Progress in physical volcanology, and increased capability in monitoring, measuring and modelling of explosive eruptions, has highlighted shortcomings in the way we classify eruptions and triggered a debate around the need for eruption classification and the advantages and disadvantages of existing classification schemes. Here, we (i) review and assess existing classification schemes, focussing on subaerial eruptions; (ii) summarize the fundamental processes that drive and parameters that characterize explosive volcanism; (iii) identify and prioritize the main research that will improve the understanding, characterization and classification of volcanic eruptions and (iv) provide a roadmap for producing a rational and comprehensive classification scheme. In particular, classification schemes need to be objective-driven and simple enough to permit scientific exchange and promote transfer of knowledge beyond the scientific community. Schemes should be comprehensive and encompass a variety of products, eruptive styles and processes, including for example, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, gas emissions and cinder cone or caldera formation. Furthermore open questions, processes and parameters that need to be addressed and better characterized in order to develop more comprehensive classification schemes and to advance our understanding of volcanic eruptions include conduit processes and dynamics, abrupt transitions in eruption regime, unsteadiness, eruption energy and energy balance.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Laser-Based Remote Sensing of Explosives by a Differential Absorption and Scattering Method

A multifunctional IR parametric laser system is developed and tested for remote detection and identification of atmospheric gases, including explosive and chemically aggressive substances. Calculations and experimental studies of remote determination of the spectroscopic parameters of the best known explosive substances TNT, RDX, and PETN are carried out. The feasibility of high sensitivity detection (~1 ppm) of these substances with the aid of a multifunctional IR parametric light source by differential absorption and scattering is demonstrated.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Explosive Magnetotail Activity

Modes and manifestations of the explosive activity in the Earth’s magnetotail, as well as its onset mechanisms and key pre-onset conditions are reviewed. Two mechanisms for the generation of the pre-onset current sheet are discussed, namely magnetic flux addition to the tail lobes, or other high-latitude perturbations, and magnetic flux evacuation from the near-Earth tail associated with dayside reconnection. Reconnection onset may require stretching and thinning of the sheet down to electron scales. It may also start in thicker sheets in regions with a tailward gradient of the equatorial magnetic field B$_z$; in this case it begins as an ideal-MHD instability followed by the generation of bursty bulk flows and dipolarization fronts. Indeed, remote sensing and global MHD modeling show the formation of tail regions with increased B$_z$, prone to magnetic reconnection, ballooning/interchange and flapping instabilities. While interchange instability may also develop in such thicker sheets, it may grow more slowly compared to tearing and cause secondary reconnection locally in the dawn-dusk direction. Post-onset transients include bursty flows and dipolarization fronts, micro-instabilities of lower-hybrid-drift and whistler waves, as well as damped global flux tube oscillations in the near-Earth region. They convert the stretched tail magnetic field energy into bulk plasma acceleration and collisionless heating, excitation of a broad spectrum of plasma waves, and collisional dissipation in the ionosphere. Collisionless heating involves ion reflection from fronts, Fermi, betatron as well as other, non-adiabatic, mechanisms. Ionospheric manifestations of some of these magnetotail phenomena are discussed. Explosive plasma phenomena observed in the laboratory, the solar corona and solar wind are also discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of Annealing on the Properties of Explosively Welded Titanium Grade 1—AW7075 Aluminum Alloy Bimetals

Explosive welding of titanium Grade 1 to AW7075 aluminum alloy arranged in parallel setup was performed. The annealing of produced bimetals at the temperatures of 450, 500 and 550 °C for times ranging from 20 to 100 h was carried out after explosive welding. The produced bimetal was characteristic by its wavy interface typical for that bonding process. Increase in the microhardness at the interface was recorded due to work hardening. Delamination of titanium Grade 1 flyer sheet was firstly observed when annealing temperature of 500 °C for 40 h was carried out. Annealing at 550 °C also resulted in delamination of upper sheet. The intermetallic compound (IMC) layer was observed at the interface after annealing of bimetals. The higher the annealing temperature and time, the higher the thickness of continuous IMC layer. The maximum measured thickness of IMC layer averaged 13 µm. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that the interface layer is consisted of Al{sub 18}Ti{sub 2}Mg{sub 3} IMC. Microhardness at the interface increased dramatically up to 439 HV0.1 after annealing of bimetal due to the presence of above-mentioned IMC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Chemical explosive mode analysis for a turbulent lifted ethylene jet flame in highly-heated coflow

The recently developed method of chemical explosive mode (CEM) analysis (CEMA) was extended and employed to identify the detailed structure and stabilization mechanism of a turbulent lifted ethylene jet flame in heated coflowing air, obtained by a 3-D direct numerical simulation (DNS). It is shown that CEM is a critical feature in ignition as well as extinction phenomena, and as such the presence of a CEM can be utilized in general as a marker of explosive, or pre-ignition, mixtures. CEMA was first demonstrated in 0-D reactors including auto-ignition and perfectly stirred reactors, which are typical homogeneous ignition and extinction applications, respectively, and in 1-D premixed laminar flames of ethylene–air. It is then employed to analyze a 2-D spanwise slice extracted from the 3-D DNS data. The flame structure was clearly visualized with CEMA, while it is more difficult to discern from conventional computational diagnostic methods using individual species concentrations or temperature. Auto-ignition is identified as the dominant stabilization mechanism for the present turbulent lifted ethylene jet flame, and the contribution of dominant chemical species and reactions to the local CEM in different flame zones is quantified. A 22-species reduced mechanism with high accuracy for ethylene–air was developed from the detailed University of Southern California (USC) mechanism for the present simulation and analysis.

Energy & Fuels↗
DOE OSTI2019

Cookoff experiments of a melt cast explosive (Comp-B3)

Validated models of melt cast explosives exposed to accidental fires are essential for safety analysis. In the current work, we provide several experiments that can be used to develop and validate cookoff models of melt cast explosives such as Comp-B3 composed of 60:40 wt% RDX:TNT. We present several vented and sealed experiments from 2.5 mg to 4.2 kg of Comp-B3 in several configurations. We measured pressure, spatial temperature, and ignition time. Some experiments included borescope images obtained during both vented and sealed decomposition. We observed the TNT melt, the suspension of RDX particles in the melt, bubble formation caused by RDX decomposition, and bubble-induced mixing of the suspension. The RDX suspension did not completely dissolve, even as temperatures approached ignition. Our results contrast with published measurements of RDX solubility in hot TNT that suggest RDX would be completely dissolved at these high temperatures. These different observations are attributed to sample purity. We did not observe significant movement of the two-phase mixture until decomposition gases formed bubbles. Bubble generation was inhibited in our sealed experiments and suppressed mixing.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Explosive boiling of Ge{sub 35}Sb{sub 10}S{sub 55} glass induced by a CW laser

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Interaction of the CW 785 nm laser with chalcogenide GeSbS glass. • First demonstration of the explosive boiling induced by CW laser in glass. • Different processes as photo-induced oxidation, expansion, and viscosity-flow observed. • Applied diagnostics SEM, DHM, AFM, force spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. • Damage threshold determined at 1.2 × 10{sup 24}s{sup −1} cm{sup −3} of absorbed photons. - Abstract: The response of bulk Ge{sub 35}Sb{sub 10}S{sub 55} glass to illumination by a continuous wave (CW) laser, sub-band-gap photons, was studied specifically with an atomic force microscopy including a force spectroscopy, with a digital holographic microscopy and with a scanning electron microscopy. Depending on the number of photons absorbed, photo-expansion, photo-oxidation and explosive boiling were observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Anatomy of a diffracting detonation in a circular arc of explosive

Using high-resolution numerical simulation, study diffraction of a detonation as it traverses a 270° finite-thickness condensed-phase explosive arc. This geometry admits a steady solution in a frame rotating with angular speed ω 0 , which thereby facilitates a detailed analysis of how the loss of energy from the detonation reaction zone due to the diffraction process slows the propagation of the detonation. There exists a region of subsonic flow, between the detonation shock and the curve of sonic flow (labelled the DDZ), which is responsible for setting ω 0 . Although the DDZ spans the entire thickness for thin arcs, it is localized to a region near the inside surface as the arc is thickened. Furthermore the explosive energy release near this inside surface plays a disproportionate role in the diffraction process.

42 ENGINEERING↗