TABLE OF CONTENTS The thermochemistry of explosive compositions has been discussed in detail in Chapter 5. The Kistiakowsky-Wilson and the Springall Roberts rules both give an approximate estimate for the products of decomposition, which is independent of the temperature of explosion. The formulae and calculations for determining the heat of explosion also assume that the explosive reactions go to total completion. However, in practice the reactions do not go to completion and an equilibrium is set up between the reactants and the products. This equilibrium is also dependent upon the temperature of the explosion T e.
During a chemical explosive reaction many equilibria take place. These equilibria are dependent on the oxygen balance of the system. The most important equilibria are presented in Reaction 6.1.
The last equation in Reaction 6.1 only becomes important as the oxygen balance decreases and the quantity of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the products begins to increase. All three equilibria are temperature-dependent, and the equilibrium position will move to favour the reactants or products depending on the temperature generated by the reaction.
In order to determine the products of decomposition for an equilibrium reaction the temperature of explosion T e is required. T e can be calculated from the heat of explosion Q which in turn depends upon the products of decomposition as shown in Figure 6.1.
In order to determine the products of decomposition for equilibrium reactions the Kistiakowsky-Wilson or the Springall Roberts...
