The evolution of void size and morphology in pressed TATB with density and particle size.

As high explosive production capabilities modernize and performance models become more sophisticated, there is an increasing need for detailed microstructural information such as void size and morphology within pressed parts. Little is known of the relationship between the initial high explosive particle size distribution and the void size and morphology within a compact. Small-angle neutron scattering techniques were used to study the evolution of this relationship in TATB samples pressed from three distinct particle size distributions over the density range from 1.55 – 1.89 g/cc. In all samples studied the void volume is well described as ramified networks of voids. Details of the void network, including size and connectivity, will be discussed in terms of the pressed density and the initial TATB particle size distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]