2. High Explosive Additives

Question 1

What is the purpose of additives used in HE?

Answer 1

Confers onto the material or mixture, the required degree of sensitivity to shock or friction

Question 2

List the 5 purposes for additives used in HE?

Answer 2

Increase sensitivity
Improve stability
Increase blast effects
Improve moldability
Decrease sensitivity

Question 3

How many and what types of desensitizers are used in HE?

Answer 3

3 types used:
Wax
Aluminium
TNT

Question 4

What is the advantage to adding aluminium to HE?

Answer 4

• Takes no part on initial stages of detonation
• Absorbs energy and lessens release
• Reinforcing action due to exothermic (produces heat and energy) interaction with some gaseous products of explosion
• Increases blast effect

Question 5

What are some types of HE additives?

Answer 5

Sensitizers
De-sensitisers
Aluminium
Stabilisers
Plasticisers
Taggants