TNT Equivalency of Nitroglycerine

Abstract : TNT equivalency tests were conducted on Nitroglycerine. One-, two-, and four-pound charges were ignited with various size boosters ranging from a number 6 blasting cap to 127 grams of C4 explosive. In one case a hot wire was successfully used to detonate the nitroglycerine sample. Pressure and positive impulse was measured in the scaled distance range of 4 to 50 ft./cu root lbs. Peak pressure TNT equivalency ranged from 240 to 80 percent in that scaled distance range and the impulse TNT equivalency ranged from 190 to 120 percent. No variations in the explosive output of Nitroglycerine were observed when different size boosters were used. Similarly no effect of charge size on TNT equivalency was observed.