On Detonation-Like Burning, or IM Test Evaluation

Abstract

A test was conducted to determine the reaction of composite propellant in a rocket motor to detonation of an adjacent warhead. The reaction was much more violent than expected. The front-most portion reacted so heavily that it was detonation-like, and there was clear evidence that the neighboring portion exploded. These responses are thought to be related to jetting from the star-shaped axial void along the axis. IM (Insensitive Munition) evaluation of the event is tackled somewhat tediously, a major aim being to demonstrate our approach. It is suggested that the IM community revise some aspects of protocols.