Detonation Theory and Modeling

The Detonation Theory and Modeling effort in DE-9 revolves around the physical understanding, mathematical modeling, and accurate prediction of detonation propagation in a range of conventional, insensitive, and non-ideal high explosives (HE). The analysis tools used by the group range from asymptotic methods to state-of-the-art, high-resolution, multi-material numerical simulation.

Foremost among the group's notable contributions is the development of Bdzil's Detonation Shock Dynamics (DSD) concept. This theory enables rapid, accurate prediction of the path of a curved detonation propagating in an arbitrarily complex, confined or unconfined, three-dimensional HE geometry.

Other research and implementation activities that are conducted by the group include

• development of the DSD3D package that incorporates 3D-level set methods to propagate a DSD detonation surface through a given HE configuration;
• DSD front curvature data calibration with rate-stick experiments for a variety of HEs;
• modeling, simulation, and understanding of detonation confinement effects and detonation interaction with inerts;
• development of higher-order DSD methods for insensitive and non-ideal HEs, such as PBX (plastic-bonded explosive) 9502;
• investigation of HE detonation structure and stability;
• development of multi-dimensional, high-fidelity, shock-attached, shock-fitting numerical schemes for detonation propagation; and
• development of physically-based predictive reactive burn models for detonation ignition and propagation in HE.