Characterization of MCX-8100

Independent of application, certain explosive composition properties are important to know. Performance depends on properties like detonation velocity and detonation pressure. Sensitivity of munitions is dependent on properties such as critical diameter to fulfill IM requirements. MCX-8100, studied in this report, is one of the new compositions developed with large critical diameter to withstand shock threat in the form of Bullet Attack, Fragment Impact, Sympathetic Detonation and Shaped Charge Jet Attack. MCX-8100 is a composition developed and produced by Chemring Nobel. It is a melt-cast composition with main applications in large calibre fillings, for example 120 mm and 155 mm shells. We have characterized MCX-8100 due to potential for utilisation in these ammunition types. MCX-8100 has DNAN as binder. The solid filler is a mixture of NTO and HMX. Nominal content for MCX-8100 is NTO/DNAN/HMX (53/35/12). Selecting DNAN as binder makes it possible to use the same filling plants as for TNT or TNT based compositions to fill MCX-8100 into warheads. MCX-8100 has been characterized with regards to critical diameter, detonation velocity and detonation pressure. In addition, theoretical calculations of performance at different densities have been performed with Cheetah 2.0. The quality of the casted test items with regard to density is variable. Most items have a density of 97+2 % of TMD (Theoretical Maximum Density). X-ray images of the charges show lower density in the upper part than at the bottom. In addition, the casted items contain some bubbles, particularly in the upper part of the charges. The casting process has large potential for improvement. Critical diameter for MCX-8100 Lot DDP13A0002E seems relatively reproducible. Four test items have been tested giving a critical diameter of 19.7 mm. Detonation velocities have been determined for cylindrical charges with diameter 36+1 mm. Detonation velocity varies with the density of the charges. Average detonation velocity for the four tested items with average density 1.72+0.02 g/cm3 is 7106+148 m/s. This result is 3-400 m/s below the theoretical velocity calculated with Cheetah 2.0 Average detonation pressure determined by Plate Dent test for 2 test charges is 208 kbar. As for the detonation velocity this result is below the theoretical result calculated by Cheetah 2.0. The difference is in order of 20+10 kbar.