Computer Code for Predicting Warhead Booster Performance

Flyer plate boosters are a very efficient device for detonating warheads filled with insensitive explosives. The devices produce a prompt detonation wave in the main fill explosive which may continue to propagate or it may fail due to comer turning effects. Calculation of detonation propagation or failure is an essential part of flyer plate booster design. In order to calculate detonation failure, the reaction zone of the detonation wave needs to be resolved. This is impractical in conventional hydrocodes because the entire explosive must have the same fine grid as the reaction zone. Available reactive flow hydrocodes use bum models that consist of simple global kinetics that are calibrated by experiments performed at pressure that are much lower that found in detonation failure. A means for calibrating an explosive bum law at high pressure is required and it must be consistent with the current engineering practice. We propose an adaptive Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) hydrocode, that is, the particles are divided and recombined in response to local flow conditions. In this way the fine numerical resolution can be confined to the detonation reaction zone. We also propose to calibrate the bum rate at high pressure using experimental measurements of detonation wave velocity as a function of wave front curvature. The bum rate model at low pressure can be calibrated in conventional ways, such as with wedge test experiments.