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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

The hidden structure of hydrodynamic transport in random fracture networks

We study the large-scale dynamics and prediction of hydrodynamic transport in random fracture networks. The flow and transport behaviour is characterized by first passage times and displacement statistics, which show heavy tails and anomalous dispersion with a strong dependence on the injection condition. The origin of these behaviours is investigated in terms of Lagrangian velocities sampled equidistantly along particle trajectories, unlike classical sampling strategies at a constant rate. The velocity series are analysed by their copula density, the joint distribution of the velocity unit scores, which reveals a simple, albeit hidden, correlation structure that can be described by a Gaussian copula. Based on this insight, we derive a Langevin equation for the evolution of equidistant particle speeds. In this framework, particle motion is quantified by a stochastic time-domain random walk, the joint density of particle position, and speed satisfies a Klein–Kramers equation. The upscaled theory quantifies particle motion in terms of the characteristic fracture length scale and the distribution of Eulerian flow velocities. That is, it is predictive in the sense that it does not require the a priori knowledge of transport attributes. The upscaled model captures non-Fickian transport features, and their dependence on the injection conditions in terms of the velocity point statistics and average fracture length. It shows that the first passage times and displacement moments are dominated by extremes occurring at the first step. The presented approach integrates the interaction of flow and structure into a predictive model for large-scale transport in random fracture networks.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterizing the Impacts of Multi-Scale Heterogeneity on Solute Transport in Fracture Networks

We model flow and transport in fracture networks with varying degrees of fracture-to-fracture aperture heterogeneity and network intensity to show how changes in these properties can cause the emergence of anomalous flow and transport behavior. If fracture-to-fracture aperture heterogeneity is increased in sparse networks, velocity fluctuations inhibit high flow rates and solute transport can be delayed. Surprisingly, transport can be slowed even in cases where hydraulic aperture is monotonically increased. As the intensity of the networks is increased, more connected pathways allow for particles to bypass these effects. There exists transition behavior where with relatively few connected pathways in a network, first arrival times of particles are not heavily affected by fracture-to-fracture aperture heterogeneity, but the scaling behavior of the tails is strongly influenced. These results reinforce the importance of considering multi-scale effects in fractured systems and can inform flow and transport processes in both natural and engineered fractured systems.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Develop a new integrated macro→micro←nano (MMN) multiscale modeling framework to optimize high strength aluminum alloys and processes for vehicle light-weighting​

Bending tests provide a means to study plane strain fracture performance of 6000 series aluminum alloys. Metrics from bending tests have been correlated with self-pierce riveting (SPR) performance of a high strength AA6111 automotive aluminum alloy in previous works. Using the ORNL HPC resources, this project developed an innovative macro→micro←nano (MMN) multiscale microstructure-based finite element (FE) code to further understanding of the relationship between microstructure and fracture properties of high-strength 6000-series alloys. This work started with microstructural characterization in both mesoscale and nanoscale and bending performance characterization of AA6111 HS2-T6 alloy at Ford, the MMN framework was applied to this alloy to simulate 3-point VDA bending. From the results of the macro-modeling of 3-point VDA bending, the critical region of fracture was identified, and the region geometry was used to construct the micro-model. The fracture criterion of micron-scale precipitates and aluminum matrix which contains submicron and nano particles (AL-SMP-NP) in the micro-model was calibrated and validated by comparing simulated and measured bending results. With the AL-SMP-NP fracture strain obtained, the fracture strain of Al-matrix containing nano particles (ALNP) will similarly be determined by a submicron scale-model using an edge-constrained FE modeling approach developed by Hu et al. With the ALNP fracture strain obtained, the fracture strain of Al-matrix containing no particles will similarly be determined by a nano scale-model using an edge-constrained FE modeling approach. After the MMN framework is built and fracture criterion calibrated, nano-model FE simulations with virtual microstructures was performed to obtain a reduced order model (ROM) of the fracture criterion of the ALNP as a function of volume fraction, size, and distribution of the nanoparticle. This nano→submicron→micro modeling part allows exploration of the influence of different material nanostructures from different process conditions on the bending properties within the multiscale bending simulation framework and the ROM of material bendability as a function of nanoparticle size and shape was established. This obtained reduced order model (ROM) could help guide the design and selection of materials to improve existing SPR process models that could replace trial-and-error rivet/die selection and help to design new rivet/die combinations capable of robustly joining new higher strength 6000 5 series alloys in automotive body structures. This would enable lightweighting of Ford vehicles leading to greater fuel efficiency and reduce manufacturing time and energy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modeling hydraulic fracture opening and closure with proppant transport and settlement

Hydraulic fracturing is a widely used reservoir stimulation technique for improving fluid circulation in rock formations with extremely low permeability, particularly in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). To better understand the complex processes involved and improve hydraulic stimulation performance, we have developed ELK (ELectrical fracKing), a MOOSE-based 3D finite element application designed to model the behavior of proppant-fluid mixtures in propagating fractures. ELK integrates both the fluid and proppant components, incorporating particle-driven processes such as gravity settling, particle-particle interactions, and strong density and viscosity contracts, in addition to conventional fluid-driven fracture propagation. In this contribution, we extend ELK to model propped fracture closure, which occurs after the injection phase due to a dramatic drop in the effective stress on the fracture plane. During the shut-in, flowback, and production periods, the fracture width decreases, with the closure behavior depending on proppant concentration.. At low concentrations, closure follows a nonlinear joint law linked to the stiffness of asperities in the fracture walls. While at high concentrations, it is controlled by the properties of packed proppant bed. The extended ELK application is validated against several benchmark examples, including the propagation of an inclined frictional crack, fracture opening and sliding in response to fluid injection, and flowback analysis. We believe that ELK’s enhanced capabilities can serve as a valuable tool for the design and optimization of EGS deployment.

15 - GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effects of Dead‐End Fractures on Non‐Fickian Transport in Three‐Dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks

Abstract Understanding mechanistic causes of non‐Fickian transport in fractured media is important for many hydrogeologic processes and subsurface applications. This study elucidates the effects of dead‐end fractures on non‐Fickian transport in three‐dimensional (3D) fracture networks. Although dead‐end fractures have been identified as low‐velocity regions that could delay solute transport, the direct relation between dead‐end fractures and non‐Fickian transport has been elusive. We systematically generate a large number of 3D discrete fracture networks with different fracture length distributions and fracture densities. We then identify dead‐end fractures using a novel graph‐based method. The effect of dead‐end fractures on solute residence time maximizes at the critical fracture density of the percolation threshold, leading to strong late‐time tailing. As fracture density increases beyond the percolation threshold, the network connectivity increases, and dead‐end fractures diminish. Consequently, the increase in network connectivity leads to a reduction in the degree of late‐time tailing. We also show that dead‐end fractures can inform about main transport paths, such as the mean tortuosity of particle trajectories. This study advances our mechanistic understanding of solute transport in 3D fracture networks.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Numerical study of the effect of propped surface area and fracture conductivity on shale gas production: Application for multi-size proppant pumping schedule design

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique extensively used in the oil and gas industry, where water, proppant (sand) and additives are injected into unconventional reservoirs to enhance the recovery of shale hydrocarbon. Although some previous studies have developed pumping schedules that maximize gas production for a single-size proppant, there are very few studies that consider the effect of varying proppant diameters across pumping stages on shale gas production. Motivated by this, we carried out an extensive sensitivity analysis to determine the effect of different proppant diameters on the average fracture conductivity (FC), average propped surface area (PSA) and cumulative shale gas production volume. We found out that the cumulative shale gas production volume depends on both the average PSA and average FC. We also found out that small-diameter proppant resulted in higher average PSA and lower average FC, whereas large-diameter proppant resulted in lower average PSA and higher average FC. Hence, we designed a multi-size proppant pumping schedule considering both of these parameters into account for simultaneously propagating multiple fractures to maximize shale gas production from unconventional reservoirs. Since the size of injected proppant particles determines the average PSA and average FC for the propped hydraulic fractures, we developed a novel framework called Sequentially Interlinked Modeling Structure (SIMS) to predict the average PSA, average FC and cumulative shale gas production volume at the end of 10 years for a given pumping schedule. Then, we used this SIMS framework to obtain a multi-size proppant pumping schedule that maximizes shale gas production. In closing, we demonstrated that the obtained pumping schedule gives a cumulative shale gas production volume greater than the values obtained from the existing pumping schedules.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microstructure of irradiated AGR TRISO particle buffer layers as measured by X-ray computed tomography

Shrinkage of the initially low-density buffer layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles during irradiation is a well-known phenomenon with potential implications for fission product and actinide transport, as well as potential pyrocarbon fracture that in some cases has been observed to impact particle performance. During post-irradiation examination, the buffer layer's structure is commonly determined using 2D microscopy of a particle cross section or a series of particle cross sections at staggered depths. Although these methods provide a general idea of the irradiated buffer microstructure, they do not provide a full picture of the TRISO coating microstructure. By contrast, x-ray computed tomography (XCT) provides full 3D imaging of the TRISO particle. Particles from various compacts irradiated for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program were imaged using XCT. Some of these particles were selected because of abnormal fission product inventories (e.g., low 137 Cs), whereas others were randomly selected from the center of the fission product inventory distribution. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were applied to the randomly selected particles as representatives of typical TRISO behavior to study the post-irradiation structure of the buffer layer. These results showed that, while separation of the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon layers was a common behavior during the radiation-induced shrinkage of the buffer, a portion of the original buffer/inner pyrolytic carbon interface remained intact throughout irradiation in nearly all cases. Furthermore, these results also indicated clear trends in the degree of buffer densification with irradiation temperature and fluence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Characterizing Reactive Transport Behavior in a Three-Dimensional Discrete Fracture Network

While several studies have linked network and in-fracture scale properties to conservative transport behavior in subsurface fractured media, studies on reactive transport cases remain relatively underdeveloped. In this study, we explore the behavior of an irreversible kinetic reaction during the interaction of two solute plumes, one consisting of species A and the other species B. When the plumes converge, these species react kinetically to form a new species C via A+B→kC. This reactive system is studied using a three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model coupled with reactive Lagrangian particle tracking. We find that the interplay of network topology and chemical properties of the reactive solutes controls reactive transport processes. The network topology drives species A and B together, and the chemical properties dictate whether and how quickly a reaction occurs. Results demonstrate that reactions are most likely to occur in high-velocity fractures that make up the network backbone. The interplay between species’ chemical properties and transport is characterized by a non-dimensional Damköhler (Da) number. We show that the spatial distribution of reactions is sensitive to Da, which subsequently influences late-time tailing behavior in outlet breakthrough time distributions. The results of this study provide initial insights into how an irreversible reaction occurs during transport in a fracture network, using a methodology that can be applied to study reactive transport in a wide range of fractured media environments and contexts.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

In Situ Study on Fracture Behavior of Thick-Section Friction Stir-Welded AA 5083 Alloy

Friction stir welding (FSW) produces a gradient microstructure with distinct metallurgical zones. Here, the present study focuses on characterizing the fracture behavior during uniaxial loading across thick-section FSW joint in nonheat-treatable 5083 aluminum alloy. The hardness variation is linked to microstructural features across the weld zones through correlative microscopy. Notably, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) exhibits a lower hardness of 75 HV, while the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and stir zones (SZ) display a hardness of around 79HV. A marginal difference in hardness in HAZ prompts strain localization in HAZ on the advancing side of the weld, resulting in offset in fracture from the SZ, which is captured through in situ monitoring of the tensile test. Further, the postdeformation analysis reveals crack propagation along the maximum shear stress plane due to the coalescence of microvoids resulting from the fracturing and debonding of second-phase particles. Overall, this study provides valuable insight for optimizing the FSW process of AA 5083 alloy for thick-section applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Crack width control and mechanical properties of low carbon engineered cementitious composites (ECC)

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) have superior properties with high tensile ductility and tight crack width compared to conventional concrete. The properties of ECC are significantly influenced by the material composition which can be tailored to enhance the sustainability of ECC. Towards this goal, recycled crumb rubber (CR) and silica fume (SF) were used to tailor the properties of a polypropylene-fiber reinforced ECC with a low carbon binder based on limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) in this study. Crumb rubber was found to be effective in enhancing strain-hardening performance and reducing the width of the multiple microcracks. However, a loss of compressive strength was accompanied by an increasing amount of CR. While silica fume or lower w/b ratio enhanced the compressive strength, the crack width of ECC increased at higher SF content or lower w/b. The underlying mechanisms of these trends were traced to the alteration of the matrix fracture toughness and fiber/matrix interfacial bond. Rubber particle bridging was found to contribute to crack width control. Finally, the combined use of the LC3 green binder and CR led to a lowering of the embodied and operational carbon footprint of ECC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of a TiC nanoprecipitate strengthened V Alloy

The V-4Cr-4Ti (V44) alloys have been proposed as the prime candidate structural material for self-cooled liquid Li blanket and other designs for fusion energy applications. However, the applications of the V44 alloy are limited to a narrow operation temperature window, due to reduction in creep strength at or above 700 °C and susceptibility to irradiation hardening and embrittlement when irradiated below 400 °C. Here, in this work, we explore the feasibility of designing a novel V alloy to form a high number density of TiC nanoprecipitates, in order to simultaneously improve creep strength and provide defect sinks to mitigate irradiation hardening. Computational thermodynamics was used to design a new alloy (V44C) to achieve our goal of high TiC nanoprecipitates density within the alloy V44 matrix. To ensure scalability, the new alloy was made through arc-melting and ingot-casting followed by hot forging, cold rolling and heat treatments of homogenization and precipitation aging. The microstructure was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and APT, confirming the existence of nanoprecipitates predicted in the thermodynamic calculations. In addition to microstructural evaluation tensile properties at room temperature and 700 °C, and Charpy impact energy at room temperature were measured. The microstructure and mechanical properties were then compared with those from a historic reference V44 alloy. The tensile strength improvement in V44C was rationalized based on particle and solid solution strengthening mechanism. The fracture behavior was discussed based on the fractography results and necking deformation behavior.

Alloys development↗
DOE OSTI2024

An alternate route for cellulose microfibril biosynthesis in plants

Similar to cellulose synthases (CESAs), cellulose synthase–like D (CSLD) proteins synthesize β-1,4-glucan in plants. CSLDs are important for tip growth and cytokinesis, but it was unknown whether they form membrane complexes in vivo or produce microfibrillar cellulose. We produced viable CESA-deficient mutants of the moss Physcomitrium patens to investigate CSLD function without interfering CESA activity. Microscopy and spectroscopy showed that CESA-deficient mutants synthesize cellulose microfibrils that are indistinguishable from those in vascular plants. Correspondingly, freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed rosette-shaped particle assemblies in the plasma membrane that are indistinguishable from CESA-containing rosette cellulose synthesis complexes (CSCs). Our data show that proteins other than CESAs, most likely CSLDs, produce cellulose microfibrils in P. patens protonemal filaments. The data suggest that the specialized roles of CSLDs in cytokinesis and tip growth are based on differential expression and different interactions with microtubules and possibly Ca 2+ , rather than structural differences in the microfibrils they produce.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Modeling Metallic Fuel using Peridynamics

Based on available modeling and simulation capabilities of peridynamics module in MOOSE framework for oxide fuel, the overall goal of this project is to further develop the peridynamics capabilities for modeling metallic fuel. It includes two major tasks: 1) develop validated scheme to handle the shape tensor singularity due to insufficient active neighbors of a material particle in the peridynamic correspondence model for fracture problems, and 2) develop failure modeling scheme including failure criterion for metallic fuels. Before the peridynamics can be applied to model metallic fuel, the formulation instability of the peridynamic correspondence model should be addressed. The PI first worked on developing new stabilization method to improve the performance of the peridynamic correspondence model and reduce the possibility of getting a singular shape tensor while applying the model for fracture problems. The new stabilization scheme uses bond-associated weight function rather than bond-associated horizon. Compared to bondassociated horizon stabilized method, this new stabilization scheme has better performance with improved prediction accuracy and reduced free surface effect. Using this newly developed stabilization, materials models from BISON can be directly used in peridynamics for metallic fuels, such as fission rate and burnup dependent creep and swell models. Publication of this work is under preparation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Numerical study of proppant transport and settling processes in fractures

Reservoir stimulation by creating hydraulically conductive fractures is the key step for enabling enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). The effectiveness of stimulation is significantly influenced by the deposition of proppant inside induced fractures. The transportation and settling of proppant in a propagating fracture is controlled by a multitude of operational and physical parameters, including the fracturing fluid rheology, injection rate, proppant concentration, fracture length/aperture evolution, proppant size/density/shape, etc. A numerical tool that robustly and efficiently accounts for all important attributes can facilitate the design and optimization of reservoir stimulation. This study presents the novel computational tool ELK (ELectrical fracKing) developed for the numerical simulation of proppant-fluid mixture circulation in a fractured geothermal reservoir. We enriched the MOOSE-based PorousFlow module with a suite of equations to consider the fluid-proppant mixture with particle-particle/fluid interactions, which include gravitational settling, particle convection, particle hampering, and strong density and viscosity contrasts. The computational tool is validated by comparing the predicted proppant bed evolution against two different laboratory scale experiments of proppant transport in a fixed aperture channel. Further parameter studies were performed, and the modeling results show that the proppant deposition is determined by the mixing characteristics and settling of the particles from the slurry. Concentration-dependent density and viscosity lead to an inhomogeneous distribution of the proppant, particle collision, and enhanced settling at the bottom of the fractures. Preliminary coupling with dynamic fracture propagation shows promising results and will be further developed to simulate hydraulic stimulation at high fidelity.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Toughening Sm–Co sintered magnets via microstructure modification with additives

We report the mechanical properties of the brittle Smsingle bondCo permanent magnets are of great practical significance. However, studies on the magnets have mostly focused on their magnetic properties. This paper reports the modified microstructure and refined unimodal grain size, enhanced flexural strength, and magnetic properties of Sm 2 (Co,Fe,Cu,Zr) 17 sintered magnets doped with La 2 O 3 , MgO, and CaF 2 fine particulates. The correlations between microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical and magnetic properties were studied. Doping of a small amount (e.g., 0.5–3 wt%) of La 2 O 3 , MgO, or CaF 2 fine particulates could significantly refine the unimodal grain sizes of the Smsingle bondCo magnets via the Zener pinning effect. Moreover, doping significantly improved the flexural strengths σ of the magnets. For example, the σ values of the magnets with 0.5 wt% MgO, 1 wt% La 2 O 3 , and 1 wt% CaF 2 were approximately 65%, 63%, and 42% higher than that of the reference magnet, respectively. Micromechanical simulations revealed that the fine particles of La 2 O 3 could deflect crack growth, while the CaF 2 particles could attract or arrest cracks during the fracture process. The mechanical strengthening effect was mainly due to grain size refinement. The Smsingle bondCo magnets with 0.5–1.5 wt% CaF2 and 0.5 wt% La 2 O 3 exhibited excellent magnetic properties while doping 1–3 wt% La2O3 and 0.5–3 wt% MgO deteriorated magnetic performance. The rational design of CaF 2 - or La 2 O 3 -doped microstructure can be an economical and effective method for producing toughened Sm–Co sintered magnets with high magnetic performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cohesive phase-field chemo-mechanical simulations of inter- and trans- granular fractures in polycrystalline NMC cathodes via image-based 3D reconstruction

The optimal design and durable utilization of lithium-ion batteries necessitates an objective modeling approach to understand fracture and failure mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive chemo-mechanical modeling study focused on elucidating fracture-induced damage and degradation phenomena in the polycrystalline Li $\mathcal{x}$ Ni 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC532) cathode. An innovative approach that utilizes image-based reconstructed 3D geometry as finite element (FE) mesh input is employed to enhance the precision in capturing the convoluted architecture and morphological features. For accurately representing the intricate crack configurations within the polycrystalline system, we adopted the cohesive phase-field fracture (CPF) model. Through the integration of advanced image-based geometry reconstruction technique and the promising CPF modeling approach, lithium (de)intercalation induced crack evolution (e.g., nucleation, propagation, branching and diverse modes including inter-/trans-(intra-) granular patterns) and the resulting chemical degradation can be precisely captured, which is also compared and validated with numerical predictions using a continuum damage model. In particular, this model predicts fracture induced degradation under varying fracture properties of grain boundaries and charging rates; the conclusion that NMC particles comprised of larger grains are predicted to have less degradation than those with smaller grains can also be drawn. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the fracture and degradation within polycrystalline NMC cathodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multi-Size Proppant Pumping Schedule of Hydraulic Fracturing: Application to a MP-PIC Model of Unconventional Reservoir for Enhanced Gas Production

Slickwater hydraulic fracturing is becoming a prevalent approach to economically recovering shale hydrocarbon. It is very important to understand the proppant’s transport behavior during slickwater hydraulic fracturing treatment for effective creation of a desired propped fracture geometry. The currently available models are either oversimplified or have been performed at limited length scales to avoid high computational requirements. Another limitation is that the currently available hydraulic fracturing simulators are developed using only single-sized proppant particles. Motivated by this, in this work, a computationally efficient, three-dimensional, multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) model was employed to simulate the multi-size proppant transport in a field-scale geometry using the Eulerian–Lagrangian framework. Instead of tracking each particle, groups of particles (called parcels) are tracked, which allows one to simulate the proppant transport in field-scale geometries at an affordable computational cost. Then, we found from our sensitivity study that pumping schedules significantly affect propped fracture surface area and average fracture conductivity, thereby influencing shale gas production. Motivated by these results, we propose an optimization framework using the MP-PIC model to design the multi-size proppant pumping schedule that maximizes shale gas production from unconventional reservoirs for given fracturing resources.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of lot microstructure variations on detonation performance of the triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB)-Based insensitive high explosive PBX 9502

PBX 9502 is an important insensitive high explosive due to its combination of safety properties and detonation performance. It is a polymer-bonded formulation consisting of 95 wt.% 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) as the high explosive crystal, bound with Kel F-800 (FK-800), a co-polymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene and vinylidene-fluoride. Two different types are used, one known as virgin that uses only pristine manufactured TATB, and a second known as recycled that has 50 wt.% of its TATB reclaimed from machining scraps of previously pressed virgin PBX 9502. Recycled lots have a higher percentage of fine particles compared to virgin lots, due to the fracturing and damage sustained by TATB crystals during pressing. We examine the influence that this TATB microstructure difference between virgin and recycled PBX 9502 has on detonation performance properties. New rate-stick geometry diameter effect, detonation front shape and cylinder expansion test data are obtained for two previously uncharacterized virgin lots and one recycled lot of PBX 9502. This is combined with previously published data for one virgin and one recycled lot for evaluation purposes. Detonation shock dynamics model calibrations are conducted on each of the five lots to provide an assessment of the detonation timing characteristics of virgin versus recycled PBX 9502 lots. For two of the virgin lots, detonations propagate slower in the rate-stick geometry than those in the two recycled lots. However, the other virgin lot tested has propagation rates comparable to that of the recycled lots for larger diameter rate-sticks. The latter result, though, is shown to be geometry dependent and depends on the range of detonation curvatures accessed in different geometries. New copper-confined, cylinder expansion tests are conducted on each of the three virgin and two recycled lots to obtain detonation product Jones-Wilkins-Lee equations of state, enabling an assessment of the metal push capabilities for each of the five lots. We find that the metal push capabilities, characterized by the evolution of the heat of detonation with volume, are similar between the virgin and recycled lots. Thus, changes in microstructure between different PBX 9502 lots seemingly affect the rate of reaction, but not the overall energy content.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗