Temperature-dependent shock initiation of TATB-based high explosives

The effects of temperature on the shock sensitivity of two TATB formulations PBX 9502 and LX-17 are studied over the temperature range {minus}54{degrees}C to 252{degrees}C. The shock Hugoniot curves over this same temperature range are developed. Thermal expansion properties and porosities are used to help determine the mechanisms of thermal sensitization. Impact sensitivities over the range from ambient to 300{degrees}C are reported. Analyses of these results imply that thermal sensitization is the result of purely chemical kinetics enhancement and intracrystalline hot-spot growth. Additional results on the ambient shock sensitivity of PBX 9502 and LX-17 following thermal cycling to 252{degrees}C and back to ambient is presented.