Time-resolved mass spectrometry technique for studying fast transient CHNO explosive decomposition kinetics

An experimental system is being developed to study the fast transient kinetics governing solid-phase decomposition and subsequent interaction with decomposition products. The first phase of this work addresses the decomposition step. The experiment integrates a thin-film sample configuration with two chemical diagnostic techniques, time-of-flight mass spectrometry and time-resolved infrared spectral photography, and a pulsed-laser heat source. The experiment has microsecond temporal resolution to examine both condensed-phase mechanisms and concurrent gas-phase species evolution from samples at temperatures up to 1000/degree/C. Experiments are underway to demonstrate and assess the use of thin-film samples with the experimental system. Results of these experiments, the diagnostic capabilities of the experimental system, and the advantages, preparation and characterization of thin-film samples are presented. 16 refs., 10 figs.