Dr Malcolm J Burns

Visiting Research Fellow
Location: Shrivenham campus
E: burnsmalcolm@hotmail.com
T: +44 (0)1793 780391 or +44 (0)1793 785731
Dept of Applied Science, Security and Resilience

Current activities

Institute of Shock Physics Visiting Research Fellow at Cranfield University.

Working within the Dynamic Response Group on a novel technique to study the shock initiation of both conventional and insensitive high explosives under one dimensional Taylor wave loading. The technique utilises the embedded particle velocity technique to track the particle velocities of the sample material at, and behind, the shock front.

A single stage gas gun is used to fire a high impedance flier at velocities in the region of 1 km/s, to promptly initiate a booster explosive. With the acceptor and booster explosives separated by a thin stainless steel barrier, it is possible to study the evolution of a Taylor shock wave in the acceptor explosive. By varying the thickness of the barrier it is possible to study competition between reaction and release behind the shock front.

Using this technique with a insensitive acceptor explosive will allow the study of IHEs on a single stage gas gun for the first time.

Memberships

Chartered member of the Institute of Physics
Member of the American Physical Society

Background

1997 to 2005 - University of Paisley (Now University of the West of Scotland)

BSc Hons Physics
PhD Experimental Nuclear Physics
Gamma-ray spectroscopy of the high spin states in neutron-rich nuclei around ¹⁶⁶Er using the incomplete fusion reaction mechanism.

2005 to present – A.W.E.

Four years research experience in shock and detonation physics working for the Hydrodynamics Division. Studies of the initiation and failure mechanisms in convensional, insensitive and Non-ideal explosives. Recent work also involves a research programme for the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure.
Firing officer in select A.W.E. firing chambers.
Facilitator of A.W.E.’s explosives trials community of practice.