The new promising test procedure suitable for the energetic materials sensitivity testing

Abstract

Paper describes comparison of the two well-known and well established statistical testing procedures with the newly developed testing procedure. The standardized BAM friction sensitivity test is used for the comparison of the sensitivity data. The first used method is Bruceton staircase, also known as “UP and DOWN”. The result of the Bruceton staircase method is value of the F50 point. The second used method is Probit analysis. The result of the Probit analysis is the complete sensitivity curve. The newly developed method is a modified Neyer's sensitivity D-optimal test method. The parameters of the sensitivity curve are continuously estimated using maximum likelihood algorithm. The newly tested algorithm differs from the Neyer´s method by altering the way next level suggestion based on the all previous stimulus levels. The friction sensitivity test was carried out with the selected primary explosive and one pyrotechnic mixture. Comparison of the materials sensitivity obtained by the mentioned testing procedures is provided. It was found the main advantage of the new method is time and cost effectivity. Moreover, it requires less sample counts while providing a maximum statistical data in the form of complete sensitivity curve. Another advantage of the new method is its independence on the beforehand knowledge of the real value of stimulus level, thus significantly reduce incorrect estimate of the initial test conditions.