On the reaction of detonation products of condensed explosives with the ambient air

The propellant performance and the velocity of expansion of detonation products of explosives based on RDX and HMX and their mixtures with particulate Al were investigated. Measurements were performed in air at atmospheric pressure and in rarefied air. Comparison of the results shows that the detonation products of explosives, including those containing no Al additives, react with the surrounding air. The completeness of the reaction increases with increasing velocity of detonation products in air.