Numerical modelling of detonation performance

Abstract

Detonation performance is defined in terms of the steady state wave structure of the detonation front, and the initiation behaviour of the explosive. Some common techniques for modelling detonation performance are described, based on semi-analytic hydrodynamic and computational fluid dynamic reactive flow models. Accurate modelling of detonation performance is shown to require resolution of the reaction zone in the explosive, for non-ideal and for intrinsically unreactive systems. The ability of detonation models to predict steady state and initiation performance is discussed. Examples of resolve reaction zone models of explosives of varying degrees of ideality are presented. The sensitivity of predictions to primary data is examined for steady state reaction zone modelling of the insensitive explosive PBX W115, and Composition B3. Future directions for development of reactive flow models are examined. Particular emphasis is drawn to the need for more detailed temperature dependent kinetic schemes, and the inclusion of more detailed reaction geometries in such flow models.