Light Initiated High Explosive Impulse Load Calibration

Mr. W. Gary Rivera, Sandia National Laboratires

The Sandia National Laboratories Light Initiated High Explosives (LIHE) Facility, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has recently undergone a reconstruction and resurrection from mothball status. This new LIHE facility will provide a simulated environment representative of a cold x-ray blowoff impulse generated by an exo-atmospheric hostile nuclear encounter.  This above ground simulation generates the proper impulse by initiating a thin layer of a light sensitive primary explosive, spray deposited on the test object.  In the past, this facility has conducted numerous full system and component impulse tests for validation and acceptance purposes.  The facility is currently being reconstituted to conduct full systems impulse tests for both weapon systems qualifications and computer code validation.    

While in operation prior to 1992, an explosive calibration curve had been developed to accurately predict the impulse load delivered by the spray deposited silver acetylide – silver nitrate (SASN) explosive.  While procedures for formulation of the SASN explosive remain nearly the same as those in the past, it is desired to understand whether the current explosive product is similar or the same to that produced circa 1992.  To achieve this understanding, an explosive calibration test series has been completed using explosive formulated by today’s chemical constituents, processes and procedures, and personnel.

The presented work will detail the current work on a new calibration curve that predicts the impulsive load delivered by a given deposition of SASN explosive.

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