Improving TNT Curing Process by Using Infrared Camera

Authors: O. Srihakulung, Y. Soongsumal

Abstract:

Among the chemicals used for ammunition production, TNT (Trinitrotoluene) play a significant role since World War I and II. Various types of military weapon utilize TNT in casting process. However, the TNT casting process for warhead is difficult to control the cooling rate of the liquid TNT. This problem occurs because the casting process lacks the equipment to detect the temperature during the casting procedure This study presents the temperature detected by infrared camera to illustrate the cooling rate and cooling zone of curing, and demonstrates the optimization of TNT condition to reduce the risk of air gap occurred in the warhead which can result in the destruction afterward. Premature initiation of explosive-filled projectiles in response to set-back forces during gunfiring cause by casting defects. Finally the study can help improving the process of the TNT casting. The operators can control the curing of TNT inside the case by rising up the heating rod at the proper time. Consequently this can reduce tremendous time of rework if the air gaps occur and increase strength to lower elastic modulus. Therefore, it can be clearly concluded that the use of Infrared Cameras in this process is another method to improve the casting procedure.

Keywords: Infrared camera, TNT casting, warhead, curing.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1069971

References:

[1] Kaidar Ayoub, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Michel Cassir, Alain Bermond, Application of advanced oxidation processes for TNT removal: A review, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 178, Issues 1-3, 2010, P 10-28
[2] Parry and B.W. Thorpe, Influence of HNS on the microstructure and properties of cast TNT, MRL-R-812 report
[3] D.S. Ellison, R.A. Alcorn, E. Neal, Effects of thermal cycling on trinitrotoluene and tritonal explosive compositions, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 4, Issue 1, Compatibility of Plastics/Materials with Explosives and Processing Explosives. A Selection of Papers Presented at the Joint Symposium, 1980, P 57-75.
[4] Sun Lixia, Hu Rongzu, Li Jiamin, Phase diagram and compatibility of the binary systems TNT-polyester and TNT-picric acid, Thermochimica Acta, Volume 253, Thermal Measurements, A Selection of Papers Presented at the International and III Sino-Japanese Symposium on Thermal Measurements,1995, P 111-116
[5] Jinn-Shing Lee, Chung-King Hsu, The thermal behaviors and safety characteristics of composition B explosive, Thermochimica Acta, Volumes 367-368, 2001, P 371-374