Anomalous Detonation Velocities Following Type Ii Deflagration-To-Detonation Transitions In Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate

The detonation velocity following type II deflagration-to-detonation transitions (DDT) has been observed to be markedly different to that which would be expected were the charges directly initiated. In charges of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) velocities as high as 5.6 mm mus-1 have been observed compared to 3.7 mm mus-1 which is both predicted and measured for the charge were it to be directly initiated. Experiments have also been carried out that attempt to measure the temperature within columns of PETN prior to a type II DDT event. Other experiments and hydrocode simulations have been carried out that attempt to isolate the possible causes of the anomalous detonation velocity and as a result determine what the critical factors that determine the velocity are. These studies have led to a greater understanding not only of the reasons behind the change in detonation velocity, but also of the stages that occur in the build up to type II DDT. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.