Crystal orientation effects in PETN explosive with 4 GPa shocks

Shock initiation of detonation has been observed in PETN crystals of /l angle/110/r angle/ orientation at the low shock strength of 4.25 GPa. This result explains some observations by other workers at Los Alamos National Laboratory that were considered anomalous. Chemiluminescent emission from the shock-induced decomposition reactions has been observed using OMA spectrographs, photodiodes, and image intensifier cameras. The emission is not seen in the insensitive orientations, /l angle/100/r angle/ and /l angle/101/r angle/; these orientations can deform using the primary slip plane, (110). 4 refs.