PBX 9501 versus a new thermomechanical density mock: Brazilian disk compression test comparison

In this investigation, we study the mechanical performance of the new idoxuridine (IDOX) based-mock and compare that to PBX 9501 using Brazilian disk compression configuration combined with the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. We compare the similarities and differences in their deformation, damage, and failure when subject to mechanical loadings. In this series of experiments, the loading speed was kept the same (quasi-static) for all the specimens, while the test temperature was varied at −15°C, 23°C, and 50°C, respectively. The general mechanical behavior of the two materials was similar, although there are noticeable differences in cracking and deformation. The IDOX mock is also slightly weaker, which makes it a conservative surrogate material for experiments where the PBX 9501 may crack. Overall, the IDOX mock as formulated is a promising candidate as a generic thermomechanical density mock for PBX 9501.