Properties of Insensitive Energetic Materials and Their Measurement

The development of insensitive energetic materials with stability, high performance, reliability, safety, and low toxicity requires measurement and prediction of thermophysical and thermochemical properties. The measurement and estimation of properties such as the enthalpy of formation, density, detonation velocity, detonation pressure and sensitivity are used to screen potential energetic candidates. Experimental data are also needed to test prediction methods and molecular models. This chapter outlines experimental methods to measure some of the important properties. Different methods of determining a property and the theory associated have been outlined.