Explosives Analysis Group
The Group applies existing methods and develops improved procedures for the analysis of explosives in support of forensic investigations, surveillance operations and explosives research and development.
A range of chemical stability and compatibility tests and physical tests on energetic materials can be undertaken, including the following:
- Abel Heat Test (DS 13-189)
- Stabilizer analysis (Stanag 4117 Procedure B)
- Stabilizer depletion – single temperature ageing (Stanag 4117)
- Stabilizer depletion – multi-temperature ageing (AOP48)
- Compatibility by Vacuum Stability Test (Stanag 4147 Test 1)
- Compatibility by Thermogravimetric Analysis Test (Stanag 4147 Test 3)
- Compatibility by Differential Scanning Calorimetry Test (Stanag 4147 Test 4)
- Vacuum Stability Test (Stanag 4556)
- Particle Size Analysis (BS 1796 Part 1, Stanag 4022 Edition 4 draft 6b)
- Bulk density measurement by pycnometer
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and measurement of Glass Transition Temperature (Stanag 4540)
- Glass Transition Point by DSC (Stanag 4515)
The Group is also able to undertake chemical analysis on a wide range of non-explosive materials using techniques such as GC-MS, HPLC-UV, FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
Chemical Analysis of Explosives and Propellants
Return to the Sensors, Explosives Analysis and Laser Spectroscopy Unit
Dr Philip P Gill
T: +44 (0)1793 785055
E: p.p.gill@cranfield.ac.uk
