Application of BCHMX in Shaped Charges against RHA Targets Compared to Different Nitramine Explosives

Abstract

In this work, a new bicyclic nitramine, cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole (bicyclo-HMX or BCHMX), has been tested for its performance as a shaped charge explosive filler in comparison with three other interesting cyclic nitramines. Four shaped charges were prepared using different nitramine-based plastic bonded explosives (PBXs), and their performance was measured experimentally in terms of the penetration depth into laminated rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) targets. The explosive fillers were highly pressed PBXs based on RDX, HMX, BCHMX and CL-20, bonded by Viton A binder. The Autodyn numerical hydrocode was implemented to determine the shaped charge jet’s characteristics and its penetration depth. The experimental and calculated detonation characteristics of the explosives used are reported. Relationships between the detonation characteristics of the explosives and the jet characteristics were observed. The results show that CL-20 is the most powerful explosive, with the largest penetration depth into the RHA target, while BCHMX explosive has a relatively enhanced penetration depth with respect to RDX explosive. The results of the Autodyn code calculations are consistent with the experimental measurements, with a maximum difference of 6.6%.