A second investigation into sympathetic detonation of ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) was conducted to define the scaling law for safe separation from detonating ANFO. Both missileand non-missile-producing ANFO donors weighing up to 5,400 pounds were employed with equal sizedacceptors. The usual cube root scaling law was not confirmed; exponents for the relationship S...

This review discusses the recent advances in the syntheses of high explosive energetic materials. Syntheses of some relevant modern primary explosives and secondary high explosives, and the sensitivities and properties of these molecules are provided. In addition to the synthesis of such materials, processing improvement and formulating aspects using these ingredients, where applicable, are dis...

In the past century, several explosive compounds have become the major soil contaminants causing health and economic challenges to the society. In the U.S. alone millions of hectares of land are contaminated by various forms of explosives. The two most dangerous explosives, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (Royal Demolition Explosive; RDX), are major enviro...

The application of rice straw-derived biochar for removing nitro explosives, including 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), from contaminated water was investigated through batch experiments. An increase in the pyrolysis temperature from 250 to 900°C in general led to higher pH, surface area, cation exchange capacity (CEC), po...

Events in recent years have led to an increased need for improvements in our abilities to detect explosives. In numerous situations, the capability to detect explosives sensitively, accurately, and rapidly could have great benefit to national security both at home and abroad. Some of the homeland situations that would benefit from improvements in explosives detection include screening passenger...

Two approaches for using explosives to interrupt current flowing in solid conductors are described. One concept uses explosives to extrude the switch conductor into thin regions that fuse due to current in the switch. A preliminary scaling law is presented. The second approach employs dieiectric jets to sever current carrying conductors. A feasibility experiment and an improved design are descr...

Forensic identification of batches of homemade explosives (HME) poses a difficult analytical challenge. Differentiation among peroxide explosives is reported herein using a colorimetric sensor array and handheld scanner with a field-appropriate sampling protocol. Clear discrimination was demonstrated among twelve peroxide samples prepared from different reagents, with a classification accuracy ...