Scientific report. Chemical Technology Division Analytical Chemistry Division, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. – 15 p.The sometimes large round-to-round variability observed in accelerated environmental testing, plus the difficulties in precisely quantifying the environmental histories of a given round suggest the need for nondestructive and rapid tests of munitions to supplement lifetime prediction models in the quality assurance of munitions safety and performance.
The deterioration of combustible cartridge cases by nitroester migration or moisture accumulation from storage in hot or humid environments is a case in point.
Technologies are being developed for reagent strips which can be affixed to rounds and which will visually indicate the presence and extent of nitroester migration by a readily visible color change. A solid state adaptation of a modified Griess reagent develops a red-purple color in the presence of nitroesters. The performance of current designs tested in the laboratory suggest a short-term (ca. one month) single usage. Further work will be required to extend indicator lifetime and potentiate the response over longer periods of use.
Dielectric capacitance has been identified as a very promising means for rapid, nondestructive moisture determinations using a portable battery-powered instrument.
Laboratory studies with a modified, inexpensive, commercial device have demonstrated fast (a few seconds) detection of case wall moisture content. Quantitative measurements appear feasible with further development of the device.Contents:
Abstract.
Introduction.
Nitroester indicator strip structure.
Demonstration of prototype indicator strip.
Refinement of the nitroester indicator.
Prototype munitions case moisture indicator. Model ORNL 01.
Conclusions and recommendations.
