High-speed photographic study of the impact response of ammonium dinitramide and glycidyl azide polymer

A high-speed photographic study has been performed of the rapid deformation of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) by drop-weight impact, ADN was found to be more sensitive than ammonium perchlorate. Both materials have been suggested as potentially useful oxidizers in explosive and propellant applications. ADN was also found to be sensitized by both hard high-melting point grits (60-mu m borosilicate or Pyrex(R) glass) and brittle polymers. High-density polyethylene was found to suppress deflagration in this material. Heat-sensitive film was used to confirm that the events seen using high-speed photography were indeed deflagrations. GAP was found to be insensitive when impacted in this apparatus, even in the presence of additives or gas bubbles.