Modeling solid state detonation and reactive materials

Solid state detonation (SSD) refers to non-classical phenomena whereby chemical reaction sustains a self-propagation wave in energetic materials that are not typically considered explosives. This wave phenomenon can be observed when fast 'shock induced' reactions occur as the result of deformation during the crush-up of the powders to their full density3. We demonstrate that SSD, modeled with a simple phenomenological model, nominally runs at pressures much lower than what is observed in "ideal" explosives. However the lead wave head is not a classical shock in the sense of ZND theory, but rather a subsonic compaction wave. Hence the SSD is not strictly steady but rather quasi-steady. Analytical results from steady wave analysis are confirmed by direct simulation that includes the transients of the transition to quasi-steady self sustained reaction applied to a mixture of aluminum-Teflon reactive material.