Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Sub‐Detonative Behaviors in Insensitive Energetic Materials Under Non‐shock Stimuli

ABSTRACT Insensitive munitions are designed to enhance safety by resisting accidental detonation when exposed to mechanical or thermal threats, aiming to safeguard military personnel and equipment. This study investigates the mild responses of insensitive energetic materials, specifically burn‐to‐explosion behaviors under non‐shock stimuli. Burn‐to‐violent‐reaction (BVR) tests were conducted on a typical insensitive explosive, PBXN‐109, to collect data on ignition times, reaction responses, and burn pressures under a low ignition pressure of around 10 MPa, which are critical for developing numerical models for sub‐detonative phenomenon. This work adopts a propellant deflagration model calibrated with BVR experimental measurements to accurately predict long‐duration deflagration reactions lasting hundreds of milliseconds. Experimental results highlight the significance of gas pressurization and venting in controlling explosive damage propagation and ignition timing. The calibrated models, validated against experimental data, indicate that maximum deflagration response can be achieved under perfect confinement. This work advances the understanding of sub‐detonative phenomena. It presents a computational methodology for predicting and mitigating risks associated with energetic materials, addressing the critical need for comprehensive models that integrate experimental and numerical approaches to predict munitions' behavior under various conditions.