Reaction Evolution Flow Chart - The Critical Path to DDT [Slides]
Purpose (and limitations): The following flow-chart identifies and organizes a generalized, and simplified, sequence of necessary conditions for accidental ignition and reaction growth in a consolidated, polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) charge that has been insulted. A ‘yes’ answer to each question will lead down the critical path and produce violent, explosive reactions, up to and possibly including transition to detonation. Alternatively, any ‘no’ answer will serve as an off-ramp from the path resulting in less violent responses. It is important to note that this flow-chart is a high-level tool to flag potential operational vulnerabilities, but lacks the details needed to stand alone as a sole-source for risk determination. Each question represents a significant area of study and, therefore, the flow chart is intended to be supplemented by subject matter expert elicitations.