Similarity and differences between conditions for initiation and failure of detonation.

A theory is proposed to study the sensitivity of cylindrical explosives. Using the equations governing the conservation of mass, energy, and momentum, the equation of state, and Newtonian mechanics, we have derived the expression D = D(o)e(-a2/d), in which the apparent length of the reaction zone, a, takes into account burned and unburned explosive and pressure release through the back and sides of the reaction zone. D is the detonation velocity and d is the diameter of the cylindrical charge. From the observed D(1/d) curves and critical energy values, we can interpret failure and other phenomena associated with detonation.