Eduardo Nieto

Date of Award

6-18-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Robert B. Greendyke, PhD.

Abstract

This research focused on analyzing the effects of aluminum in high explosives such as PBX9501 using the MPEXS computational simulation code for a wide range of metalized explosive cases. The varying parameters are aluminum particle diameter and mass fraction of aluminum. The addition of metal particulates in explosive mixtures increases the density of the shock wave, causing a higher pressure in the shock. It was concluded that pressure and density steadily increases as the Al particle diameter increases, and pressure and density decreases when Al mass fraction increases. The concentrated pressures will dissipate quickly due to the high density, providing a short proximity detonation. This research significantly contributes to both current explosive simulation analysis and development of future explosive formulations for better munitions that will save many innocent lives.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-15-J-043

DTIC Accession Number

ADA622087

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