The Effect of Pressing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Plastic Bonded Explosives

Quasi-static, uniaxial mechanical properties were measured for a series of PBX 9501 parts that were compacted using a permutation of various pressing parameters. Results were analyzed in terms of specimen density as well as pressing parameters. These data led to a second set of tests where PBX 9501 parts were compacted using various dwell times and temperatures, all other pressing parameters being held constant. Quasi-static tensile data for these parts indicated that for the given range of parameters and specimen densities, the compaction temperature has a larger effect on the mechanical properties than does the dwell time. Moreover, for the range of parameters used, higher compaction temperatures and lower dwell times gave the compacted part more strength and toughness. Desired mechanical characteristics may be achieved by the appropriate selection of pressing conditions.