Using Neutron Diffraction to Investigate Texture Evolution During Consolidation of Deuterated Triaminotrinitrobenzene (d-TATB) Explosive Powder

• DOI: 10.3390/cryst7050138
• Publication Date: 2017-05-15T16:16:12Z
• Authors: Darby Luscher; John Yeager; Bjørn Clausen; Sven Vogel; Amanda Higginboth...; Donald Brown
• Keywords: TATB; Texture (cosmology)

Triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) is a highly anisotropic molecular crystal used in several plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) formulations. A complete understanding of the orientation distribution TATB particles throughout PBX charge required to understand spatially variable, macroscale properties charge. Although texture these materials can be measured after they have been subjected mechanical or thermal loads, measuring evolution situ important order identify mechanisms deformation and reorientation better inform thermomechanical models. Neutron diffraction measurements were estimate crystallographic while deuterated (d-TATB) powder was consolidated into cylindrical pellet via uniaxial die-pressing operation at room temperature. Both final pressed during pressing measured, showing that d-TATB grains reorient such (001) poles become preferentially aligned with direction. compaction model predict process, finding original overpredicted strength compared measurements. The theory extended account for initial particle shape pore space, bringing results good agreement data.