Propellant performance of organic explosives and their energy output and detonation velocity limits

Methods for determining the propellant performance of high explosives (HEs) are considered. The common and distinguishing features of the techniques of end acceleration of plates and shell expansion are shown. Experimental data on the propellant performance of individual explosives are given. The influence of metal additives on the brisance (propellant performance) and blast effect of explosive compositions is considered. A theoretical method for estimating the propellant performance is proposed, and the propellant performance of hydrogen-free HEs is calculated using experimental data on the enthalpies of formation and densities of single crystals. The energy output and detonation velocity limits of organic HEs are considered and estimated. Promising directions in the investigation of the properties of HEs are considered.