Reaction degree of composition B explosive with multi-layered compound structure protection subjected to detonation loading

Abstract The explosive reaction degree and protection from explosions are concerns in the military field. In this work, the reaction degree of the composition B explosive was investigated experimentally. Multi-layered compound structures were used as barriers to weaken the blast loads. A comprehensive experiment using a high-speed camera and image processing techniques, side witness plates, and bottom witness plates was presented. Using the experimental fragment velocities, fragment piercing patterns, and damage characteristics, the reaction degree of the explosive impeded by different multi-layered compound structures could be precisely differentiated. Reaction parameters of the explosive obstructed by compound structures were obtained by theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. Unlike the common method in which the explosive reaction degree is only distinguished based on the initial pressure amplitude transmitted into the explosive, a following shock wave reflected from the side steel casing was also considered. Different detonation growth paths in the explosive formed. Therefore, all these shock wave propagation characteristics must be considered to analyze the explosive response impeded by compound structures.