Frictional properties of explosives

Abstract

The paper outlines three approaches which were used to study the frictional properties of explosive substances. The techniques involved sliding (i) single crystals on single crystals, (ii) single crystals on glass and (iii) glass surfaces over thin films of the explosive which were deposited on glass substrates. The latter technique in conjunction with the adhesion model of friction is shown to be capable of predicting accurately the coefficients of friction in the other two cases within certain ranges of load. Data are also presented on the hardness of certain explosive materials. The paper concludes by speculating the likely effects of temperature and sliding velocity on the friction of single-crystal contacts.