Characterization of RDX-Based Thermosetting Plastic-Bonded Explosive by Cone-Beam Microfocus Computed Tomography

Abstract In this study microfocus computed tomography (μCT), a nondestructive technique, was used for 3D characterization of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX)-based thermosetting plastic-bonded explosives. Quantitative information on RDX crystals including the packing status of the crystal and binder system, as well as the inner structure characteristics of partially solidified and fully solidified samples, was obtained using cone-beam μCT technology. The CT images show that the CT value of RDX crystal grains was obviously higher than that of crystal powder/binder. The results also show that after vacuum casting and thermosetting, the RDX grains were dispersed evenly and there were no air pores or cracks observed in the sample. Small pores exist inside the RDX grains with a porosity of less than 0.3%. The analysis results indicate high quality of the explosive part after employing thermosetting molding. The binder system and RDX crystals were integrated sufficiently, yet the grain packing was not maximum. The estimated average density and maximal difference in density of the sample were both in accordance with the testing results by Archimedes’ method and it was proven that complete curing may enhance the overall density and density uniformity of the product. Keywords: μCTcone-beamdensityporeRDX crystalstructure characteristicthermosetting explosive Acknowledgments The authors acknowledge Zong He-hou and Guan Li-feng, who conducted the experiments. The authors are grateful to the China Academy of Engineering Physics for financial support (Nos. 2007A03001 and 626010928), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 10832003), and the National Defense Foundation (No. 61383).