OPTIMEX: First attempts in detonation temperature measurements

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation in the visible and infrared spectral regions is emitted by detonation waves. This radiation can be used to measure the detonation reaction zone temperature using high speed pyrometers assuming black body radiation. In this paper, various attempts are shown to capture the detonation light in a way that would enable the temperature measurement using OPTIMEX light analyser. Single band and two band pyrometers were built and tested with different types of optical cables and probes using explosive charges of ammine-sensitized nitromethane. High temperature calibration of the two band pyrometer was performed using a stabilized tungsten lamp and compared to direct sunlight signals. The measured detonation temperature of nitromethane compares well with available literature values.