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DOE OSTI · 1209280

Numerical computation of Pop plot

Menikoff, Ralph
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Abstract

The Pop plot — distance-of-run to detonation versus initial shock pressure — is a key characterization of shock initiation in a heterogeneous explosive. Reactive burn models for high explosives (HE) must reproduce the experimental Pop plot to have any chance of accurately predicting shock initiation phenomena. This report describes a methodology for automating the computation of a Pop plot for a specific explosive with a given HE model. Illustrative examples of the computation are shown for PBX 9502 with three burn models (SURF, WSD and Forest Fire) utilizing the xRage code, which is the Eulerian ASC hydrocode at LANL. Comparison of the numerical and experimental Pop plot can be the basis for a validation test or as an aid in calibrating the burn rate of an HE model. Issues with calibration are discussed.

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45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTINGhigh explosivesPop plotshock initiation

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Menikoff, Ralph. 2015-03-09. Numerical computation of Pop plot. https://doi.org/10.2172/1209280

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