RT Journal Article ID 7c9b64e50e93f447 A1 Boyer, J. Eric T1 MODEL FORMULATION OF LASER INITIATION OF EXPLOSIVES CONTAINED IN A SHELL JF International Journal of Energetic Materials and Chemical Propulsion JO IJEMCP YR 2002 FD 2002-01-01 VO 5 IS 1-6 SP 606 OP 621 K1 laser drilling K1 unexploded ordnance K1 RDX K1 theoretical modeling K1 initiation AB Laser initiation can provide a safe and effective way to remotely destroy unexploded ordnance. In order to better understand the processes taking place and to provide a predictive capability, a comprehensive theoretical model has been formulated for simulating the physical and chemical processes associated with the laser initiation of explosives contained in a shell. The formulation is based upon various experimental observations and physical principles. Many complex processes are taking place, due to interactions of the laser beam, metal shell, and explosive core. Each of the important processes was examined in detail as a submodel; the combination of these submodels formed a complete description of laser drilling and initiation. The overall formulation considers the following major processes: 1) laser heating of the metal shell casing, 2) melt layer formation and expulsion of molten material from the heated zone due to the recoil pressure force generated from metal vaporization, 3) bubble formation and bursting in the melt layer, 4) ejection of liquid droplets from the rupturing bubbles, 5) in-depth heat transfer to the metal and solid explosives, 6) formation of a high-velocity plume jet of metal vapor, 7) turbulence interaction and chemical reaction between the plume jet and ambient air, 8) liquid- and gas-phase chemical reactions of the RDX explosive in producing fragmented chemical species, and 9) runaway ignition of RDX explosive caused by laser energy input and chemical reactions between the decomposed species of RDX. Wherever possible, experimental data have been incorporated. The model presented here provides the most detailed and complete formulation available for this topic. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/17bbb47e377ce023,76f8e14974df93a8,7c9b64e50e93f447.html