Prediction of the Full-Scale Cook-off Response Based on Small-Scale Testing

We propose to develop scaling relationships for reaction violence in the cook-off of energetic materials such as explosives or propellants. This will be accomplished by a coordinated effort consisting of data review and analysis. The anticipated results include key non-dimensional parameters that incorporate the thermo-physical, flow, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties of the material, the heating rate in terms of intensity and duration, the thermo-physical properties of the casing and liner (if any), and the strength and degree of confinement of the casing. Furthermore, scaling relationships will be developed for the violence of the reaction relating attributes such overpressure, vivacity, casing fragmentation, and travel distance of fragments to non-dimensional parameters. This scaling relationship will be used to identify practical means of compensating for the reduction of scale in the experiments. Key comparisons and success criteria will be identified to evaluate our scaling approach. The project will also identify data gaps and key tests and instrumentation to be performed in Phase II.