Micro Videographic Analysis of the Melt Layer of Self-Deflagrating HMX and RDX

Micro videographic analysis of the thin molten layer on the surface of HMX (Octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine) and RDX (Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine) during self deflagration were performed. This was done to gain a better understanding of the physical structure present in this 100–300 μm layer and give a visual picture for the development of computational models. During steady‐state combustion, RDX had a consistent melt layer with vigorous bubble formation. There was a continuous liquid layer throughout combustion and no foam was formed. The surface of HMX during steady‐state combustion at ambient initial temperatures was an uneven layer of foam. Foam appeared to convect across the surface in undulating waves. At elevated initial temperatures, the HMX molten layer was a consistent foam layer in both time and space. Micro videography was also done with a diagnostic laser sheet as illumination to measure the melt layer thickness. The RDX bubbling layer was about 217±30 μm thick. The HMX foam thickness varied from almost nothing to 660 μm, with an average value of about 234±106 μm.