Work

Temperature-based reactive flow model for triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) plastic bonded explosives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A new reactive flow model is presented for triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB)-based plastic bonded explosives, applicable to shock initiation and steady detonation problems of differing initial temperature. Temperature disequilibrium is assumed between unreacted explosive, material in the vicinity of compressed defects (called hot spots), and reaction products. The model incorporates temperature-dependent decomposition reaction rates. Particularly, Arrhenius model parameters were derived from quantum-based molecular dynamics simulations of TATB decomposition. Further, a model of detonation carbon aggregation is incorporated, describing the slow release of energy inherent to detonation in TATB-based materials. Model parameters were calibrated against gas gun shock initiation experiments and steady detonation rate stick tests. The predictive ability of the model in the shock initiation regime is tested against recent thin pulse experiments. The model is found to perform equally well in predicting the size-effect curve of ambient, cold, and hot rate sticks. The present work demonstrates the viability of incorporating results from subscale simulations into a continuum-scale reactive flow model.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0233502

Authors: Joel G. Christenson, Matthew P. Kroonblawd, Sorin Bastea, Emily N. Weerakkody, Kevin S. Vandersall, Laurence E. Fried

Institution: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Energetic Materials and Combustion

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: U.S. Department of Energy