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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
10:33
Research and Development of High-performance Explosives
Published on: February 20, 2016
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Spectral Emission Signatures from Cased High-Explosive Charges
Austin Butler1, David Amondson1, Herman Krier1
1Mechanical Science and Engineering Department, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA.
Applied Spectroscopy
|September 9, 2021
Summary
This study analyzes spectroscopic data from high-explosive detonations, identifying atomic and molecular signatures from eleven case materials. Key elements and combustion products were detected, aiding in explosive characterization.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding the composition of high-explosive (HE) charge cases is crucial for forensic analysis and safety.
- Emission spectroscopy offers a non-destructive method to identify materials.
- Previous research has not comprehensively analyzed the spectroscopic signatures of diverse HE case materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the atomic and molecular spectroscopic signatures of eleven distinct high-explosive charge case materials.
- To identify major alloying elements and combustion products present in HE cases.
- To establish a spectroscopic database for the characterization of HE detonations.
Main Methods:
- Emission spectroscopy with sub-nanometer resolution was employed.
- Atomic emission was monitored in the 275-425 nm range.
- Molecular emission was monitored in the 310-755 nm range for five case materials.
Main Results:
- Major alloying elements (>5% concentration) were generally detected via atomic emission.
- Elements like Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Ni were detected at lower concentrations.
- Molecular emission from aluminum monoxide, titanium monoxide, and CN was observed for specific case materials.
Conclusions:
- Spectroscopic analysis successfully identified atomic and molecular features of HE charge cases.
- The study provides valuable data for identifying HE materials through their detonation signatures.
- Emission spectroscopy is a viable technique for the elemental and molecular analysis of explosive charge casings.
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