Influences of Al content on the metal driven ability and underwater explosion power of HMX/RDX-based aluminized explosives

This study investigates the influence of aluminum powder content on the metal-driving capability and underwater explosion energy of HMX/RDX-based aluminized explosives. Through the preparation of polymer-bonded explosives (PBX) with aluminum content ranging from 0 to 15%, we conducted explosive-driven metal plate test and established JWL-Miller equation of state model incorporating aluminum secondary reactions for underwater explosion simulations using LS-DYNA. Experimental results demonstrated that increasing aluminum content in aluminized explosives resulted in a gradual decline in metal-driving capability, with an 8% reduction observed at 15% aluminum content. Underwater explosion simulations revealed that where the aluminum–oxygen ratio reached 0.15, the shock wave energy achieved 1.846 MJ/kg. Bubble energy showed positive correlation with aluminum content, when the 15% aluminum formulation exhibited prolonged bubble pulsation period (249.6 ms) and expanded bubble radius (107.4 cm). The research validates the effectiveness of the JWL-Miller equation in modeling non-ideal detonation characteristics of aluminized explosives, the impact of aluminum powder on explosive performance is not only reflected in its heat value but also in the timing of energy release. These findings provide critical theoretical guidance for the design of high-energy explosive systems requiring optimized performance.