Numerical modelling of non-ideal detonation in ANFO explosives applying Wood-Kirkwood theory coupled with EXPLO5 thermochemical code

Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil(ANFO)based explosive is a classic example of non-ideal high explosives.Its detonation is characterized by a strong dependence of detonation parameters on explosive charge diameter,presence and characteristics of confinement,as well as incomplete consumption of explosive at the sonic point.In this work we propose a detonation model based on the Wood-Kirkwood(WK)theory coupled with the thermochemical code EXPLO5 and supplemented with reaction rate models.Our objective is to analyze the validity of the model for highly non-ideal ANFO explosives,with emphasis on effect of reaction rate models.It was found that both single-step and two-step pressure-based models can be calibrated to reproduce experimental detonation velocity-charge radius data of ANFO at radii significantly above the failure radius(i.e.for D/D_(id)>~0.6).Single-step pressure-based model,with the pressure exponent equal to 1.4,proved to be the most accurate,even in the vicinity of the failure radius.The impact of the rate models is most evident on temporal(and spatial)distribution of flow parameters in detonation driving zone,especially when it comes to the conversion and width of detonation driving zone.

Relative Explosive Strength of Some Explosive Mixtures Containing Urea and/or Peroxides

Several mixtures,based on urea derivatives and some inorganic oxidants,including also alumina,were studied by means of ballistic mortar techniques with TNT as the reference standard.The detonation pressure(P),detonation velocity(D),detonation energy(Q),and volume of gaseous product at standard temperature and pressure(STP),V,were calculated using EXPLO5V6.3 thermochemical code.The performance of the mixtures studied was discussed in relation to their thermal reactivity,determined by means of differential thermal analysis(DTA).It is shown that the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the form of its complex with urea(i.e.as UHP)has a positive influence on the explosive strength of the corresponding mixtures which is linked to the hydroxy-radical formation in the mixtures during their initiation reaction.These radicals might initiate(at least partially)powdered aluminum into oxidation in the CJ plane of the detonation wave.Mixtures containing UHP and magnesium are dangerous because of potential auto-ignition.

Prediction of concentration of toxic gases produced by detonation of commercial explosives by thermochemical equilibrium calculations

An adverse effect resulting from explosive mine blasts is the production of toxic nitrogen oxides(NO and NO_(2)) and carbon monoxide(CO).The empirical measurements of the concentration of toxic gases showed that it depends not only on the composition of an explosive and properties of its ingredients but also on several other parameters,such as volume of blasting chamber,explosive charge mass and design,confinement characteristics,surrounding atmosphere,etc.That explains why measured concentrations of toxic gases reported in literature significantly differ.In this paper,we discuss the possibility of theoretical prediction of the concentration of toxic gases by thermochemical equilibrium calculation applying two models:ideal detonation model and deflagration model.It can be demonstrated that thermochemical calculations can provide a good estimation of the measured concentrations and reproduce experimentally obtained effects of additives on the production of toxic gases.It was also found that the ideal detonation model applies to heavily confined explosive charges,while the deflagration model is more suitable for low detonation velocity explosives with light confinement.

Revisiting the theoretical prediction of the explosive performance found by the Trauzl test

The Trauzl lead block test allows the determination of the approximate performance of explosives in blasting applications by measuring the volume increase(expansion)that is produced by the detonation of an explosive charge in the cavity of a lead block.In this paper,we reconsider the possibility of interpreting the Trauzl test results in terms of detonation parameters or quantities.The detonation parameters used in the analysis are calculated using the thermochemical code EXPLO5,while the hydrocode AUTODYN is used to simulate the effect of explosive charge density and reaction rate on the results of the Trauzl test.The increase in the volume of the lead block cavity was found to correlate best with the product of the detonation heat and the root of the volume of detonation products.Hydrocode simulation showed that the density of explosive charge and the rate of explosive decomposition affect the dynamics of the interaction of the detonation product and the lead block,and consequently the lead block cavity volume increase.