MCX-6100 CH 6027/14 charcterization

MCX-6100 is a composition developed and produced by Chemring Nobel AS. It is a melt-cast composition primarily applicable as filler in large calibre munitions like 120 mm and 155 mm. We have characterized MCX-6100 from its potential for utilization in these types of ammunition. MCX-6100 has DNAN as binder. The solid filler is a mix of NTO and RDX. Nominal content for MCX-6100 is 32/53/15 (DNAN/NTO/RDX). The choice of DNAN as binder makes it possible to use the same filling plants as for TNT or TNT based compositions to fill MCX-6100 into warheads. The quality of the casted test items of MCX-6100 with regard to density and homogeneity has been varied. X-ray of a cylindrical charge of CH 6027/14 shows lower density in the top than in the bottom. Bubbles and pores are observed in the upper part of the charge, even though vacuum was applied during the casting. The casting process has therefore potential for improvement. MCX-6100 CH 6027/14 has been characterized with regards to critical diameter, detonation velocity and detonation pressure. Sedimentation was studied by analyses of content in the longitudinal direction of the fillings. Critical diameter for MCX-6100 CH 6027/14 is measured to 18.5 mm and 19.0 mm for two tested conical charges. The average detonation velocity of a cylindrical test item with density 1.74 g/cm3 was measured to 7420 m/s. This is 250 m/s below the theoretical calculated value with Cheetah 2.0 at TMD. For a conical charge the detonation velocity between charge diameter 27 mm and 20 mm was measured to 5435 m/s. Detonation pressure measured by Plate Dent gave a detonation pressure of 207 kbar. As for the detonation velocity this result is below the theoretical value calculated by Cheetah 2.0. For the different contents of MCX-6100 due to sedimentation theoretical calculations with Cheetah 2.0 and TEMPER 2.2.2 have been performed. These results show the influence of sedimentation on performance and fragmentation. Porosity has been calculated from the differences in densities between measured and calculated values. The results show highest porosity in the top of the fillings and lowest in the bottom part.