@ AMC PAMPHLET AMCP 706-179 Brrect ON ral ENGINEERING DESIGN HANDBOOK EXPLOSIVES SERIES EXPLOSIVE TRAINS HEADQUARTERS, U. S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND MARCH 1965 sHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND WASHINGTON, D.C. 20315 9 March 1965 AMCP 706-179, Explosive Trains, forming part of the Explosives Series of the Army Materiel Command Engineering Design Handbook Series, is published for the information and guidance of all concerned. (AMCRD) FOR THE COMMANDER: SELWYN D, SMITH, JR, Major General, USA Chief of Staff OFFICIAL: Chief, Administrative Office DISTRIBUTION: SpecialPREFACE ‘The Engineering Design Handbook Series of the Army Materiel Command is a coordinated series of handbooks containing basic information and fundamental data useful in the design and development of Army materiel and systems. The uandbooks are authoritative reference books of practical information and quanti- tative facts helpful in the design and development of Army materiel so that it will meet the tactical and the technical needs of the Armed Forces. The present ‘handbook is one of a series on explosives, ‘This handbook presents theoretical and practical data pertaining to explosive trains. It includes consideration of the various elements which, in considerable variation, may constitute the explosive train of an item, The main charge of an explosive item, such as projectile or warhead filler, is also covered, Data are given on the physical and explosive characteristics of typical explosives und references are cited in which additional data will be found. ‘overuse includes development of the complete explosive train, from ele~ mens suitable for initiation of the explosive reaction to the promotion of effective functioning of the final, output element. The nature of the explosive reaction, ‘method of transfer of detonation and measurement of output are discussed. Design principies and data pertaining to primers, detonators, delay elements, eads, boosters, main charges and specialized explosive elements are covered. “The effects of environmental conditions and steps to be taken to avoid difficulties are discussed, This handbook has been prepared as an aid to ammunition designers. It should also be of benefit to scientists and engincers engaged in research and development programs or who have responsibility for the planning and interpre- tation of experiments and tests relating to the performance of ammunition or ammunition components. "The handbook was prepared by The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, based on a manuscript prepared by Armour Research Foundation of the University of Minois Institute of Technology. The handbook was prepared for the Engineering Handbook Office of Duke University, prime contractor to the ‘Army Research Office-Darham, The Explosive Series is under the technical guidance and coordination of a special committee with representation from Picatinny Arsenal and Frankford Arsenal of the Munitions Command, and the Ballistic Research Laboratories. Chairman of this committee was Mr. Donald Seeger of Picatinny Arsenal. Elements of the U, §. Army Materiel Command having need for handbooks may submit requisitions or official requests directly to Publications and Repro duction Agency, Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 17201 Contractors should submit such requisitions or requests to their contracting officers, ‘Comments and suggestions on this handbouk are welcome and should be addressed to Army Research Office- Durham, Box CM, Duke Station, Durham, North Carolina 27706,