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Initiation of Explosions by Grit Particles

Nature volume 162, pages 654–655 (1948)Cite this article

Abstract

EARLIER work1,2 has shown that the initiation of liquid and solid explosives by impact or friction is due to the formation of localized hot spots. These hot spots may be generated by adiabatic compression of small entrapped bubbles, by friction and shear at solid surfaces, and, in extreme cases, by the viscous heating of rapidly flowing explosive. It was found that for nitroglycerine the minimum temperature of the momentary hot spot necessary for initiation by friction Was c. 400–500° C.

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References

  1. Bowden, F. P., Stone, M. A., and Tudor, G. K., Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 188, 329 (1947).

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  2. Bowden, F. P., Mulcahy, M. F. R., Vines, R. G., and Yoffe, A., Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 188, 291 and 311 (1947).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Chemistry, Research Group on the Physics and Chemistry of Rubbing Solids, Cambridge

    F. P. BOWDEN & O. A. GURTON

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  1. F. P. BOWDEN
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  2. O. A. GURTON
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BOWDEN, F., GURTON, O. Initiation of Explosions by Grit Particles. Nature 162, 654–655 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1038/162654a0

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