Initiation of primary explosives by electron pulses of microsecond duration

The explosive decomposition of initiating explosives, namely, lead, silver, cadmium, and thallium azides, potassium picrate, lead styphnate, mercury fulminate, and tetrazene, on irradiation by electron pulses of various durations was studied. The critical parameters of electron pulses that initiate specimen explosions are determined. The critical energy density in pulses of microsecond duration is shown to be less than that in pulses of nanosecond duration. A decrease in the temperature of irradiated specimens to -80$^\circ$C does not cause changes in the critical-pulse parameters. Explosion initiation by an electron pulse is regarded as a result of concentration of electronic excitations and initiation-spot formation.