Numerical Study of the Effect of Different Barriers on Sympathetic Detonation Prevention in Comp-B

In this paper, the sympathetic detonation is studied. In this type of detonation, the shock wave of an explosive by passing through a neutral environment (gap) induces the detonation in the second explosive. The study of this phenomenon is important to the safety of the ammunition depot and their transportation. In the present study, the sympathetic detonation in Comp-B has been studied. In this regard, the effect of the thickness of the gap and the type and composition of the materials used as the barrier in preventing the occurrence of sympathetic detonation has been investigated. The results showed that a thick layer of fine sand, held by thin layers of polymeric material, is more efficient than other materials and can prevent sympathetic detonation well. The results indicate that a 20 mm single iron barrier and also 20 mm barriers consisting of sand + Plexiglas, sand + epoxy and sand + rubber prevent from the sympathetic detonation of the Comp-B acceptor.