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Investigating the mechanical properties of RDX crystals using nano-indentation

Hudson, Robert J.; Zioupos, Peter; Gill, Philip P.

Authors

Robert J. Hudson

Philip P. Gill



Abstract

The shock sensitivity of RDX is of major interest for the development of insensitive munitions. Previous research has implied that internal defects that form within RDX crystals have a strong sensitising effect, increasing the probability of shock initiation. During the NATO Reduced sensitivity RDX Round Robin (R 4) program the number of internal defects within RDX crystals of differing qualities were assessed by optical microscopy and a scoring system. The results suggested that RDX crystals with many internal defects were more sensitive. Studies investigating the mechanical properties of bulk RDX have shown that lots consisting of poorer crystals are weaker. This study investigates the mechanical properties of individual crystals from different RDX lots using nano-indentation. It is shown that crystals with many internal defects have reduced modulus of elasticity, stiffness and prone to greater deformation under applied load. The results also show a correlation between these parameters and previously reported shock sensitivity data. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Citation

Hudson, R. J., Zioupos, P., & Gill, P. P. (2012). Investigating the mechanical properties of RDX crystals using nano-indentation. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 37(2), 191-197. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201100063

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Mar 29, 2012
Publication Date Apr 1, 2012
Deposit Date Oct 24, 2023
Journal Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics
Print ISSN 0721-3115
Electronic ISSN 1521-4087
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 37
Issue 2
Pages 191-197
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201100063
Keywords RDX; Nano-indentation; Crystal defects; Mechanical properties; Shock sensitivity
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4424470