Military Qualification of Reclaimed Explosives

Disposal of surplus explosives is a major problem due to lack of storage space, environmental restrictions on OB/OD, and expected increase in active program retirements due to military downsizing. Military use of reclaimed explosives is an attractive alternative, with major cost benefits, but is inhibited by current material specifications and general concerns over material performance. An investigation into processes for the reclamation of bulk explosives and explosive constituents will be conducted. Reclaimed materials will be characterized with respect to physical, chemical, thermal stability, and sensitivity characteristics. Applications for use of reclaimed bulk explosives and explosive constituents within the military will be identified. Material requirements for such use applications will be quantified and compared with material characterization information. Procedures to establish a qualification methodology will be formulated and military use development program will be outlined; both to be accomplished in Phase II. TPL is active in commercial uses of demilitarized explosives and propellants. It has proposed one military use for reclaimed PBX and conducted preliminary testing to evaluate performance capabilities. Its in-house chemistry expertise will support extraction studies. CETR will provide thermal stability and sensitivity testing support. Combined, the team has all the capabilities to achieve the desired objective.