Thermochemistry of explosives

The kinetics constants for the decomposition reaction of an explosive can be used to calculate the lowest temperature (critical temperature, T_m) at which any specific size and shape of explosive can self heat to explosion; however, the accuracy of the calculation is in doubt without an independent experimental determination of a critical temperature for a known size and shape of the explosive. A method is presented for the experimental determination of critical temperatures on a routine basis, and it is shown that agreement between calculated and experimental values is excellent for most common explosives.