The Relative Explosive Power of Some Explosives

Marten J. ten Hoor
J.W. Frisolaan 40, 9602 GJ Hoogezand, The Netherlands
J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (12), p 1397
DOI: 10.1021/ed080p1397
Publication Date (Web): December 1, 2003
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The efficiency of an explosive is measured by its relative explosive power, REP. This quantity is defined as REP = QVg/m2, where Q is the energy released in the explosion, Vg is the total volume (at STP) of gas produced, and m is the mass of the explosive that has reacted. These three quantities can be determined from the explosion equation of the explosive. For some explosives no unambiguous explosion equation can be given, but 'fairly good approximations' may be obtained, on the basis of sets of rules. REP values have been calculated for three types of explosives: pure explosives, mixtures of pure explosives, and possible future explosives. Factory-made pure explosives have a REP value of about 4.5 kJ L/g2, but those that would cause a real big bang have not yet been made.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Safety / Hazards

Keywords (Subject):

Gases
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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