New method for predicting detonation velocities of aluminized explosives

A simple procedure for determining detonation velocities of aluminized explosives, which have significantly nonideal behavior, is introduced. It is shown how only the atomic composition and condensed phase heat of formation of explosives, as compared with complicated computer programs, are sufficient for reliable, simple prediction of detonation velocity. Detonation velocities can be predicted by assuming that aluminum powder, based on oxygen content and the different pathways of decomposition of explosives, partially interacts with detonation products. Detonation velocities calculated by this procedure for aluminized nonideal explosives are in good agreement with experimental values, that is, results computed using BKWS-EOS. (c) 2005 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.