Detonation Initiation and Propagation in a Cylindrical TATB Charge

Detonation propagation in semi-cylindrical charges made of plastic-bonded TATB with a steel shell inside during the initiation of normal detonation along the outer surface line of the charge is studied using the x-ray method. The shape of the detonation wave front is determined in the experiments using the x-ray method at different times. It is determined that the detonation front shape can be affected by an HMX-based plastic explosive layer, located on the surface of the main charge and having a detonation velocity $${\approx}10\%$$ higher than that of TATB. The experimental position and shape of the detonation wave front in a cylindrical TATB charge cannot be described by the laws of geometric optics (Huygens principle) due to the peculiarities of detonation initiation in the initial section and the presence of a steel shell. The experiments are numerically simulated via the LEGAK method using macroscopic detonation kinetics. The results obtained in the experiment are similar to those obtained during the initiation and propagation of detonation in the TATB charge. The specific features of the detonation wave propagation are subjected to a theoretical analysis.