Manufacture and Materials Properties of Explosives

Course structure

What you will learn

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Explain the rationale behind introducing nitro groups into molecules;
• Compare the current manufacturing processes for primary, secondary explosives and their formulations;
• Evaluate and predict the properties of explosives and explosive formulations;
• Critically evaluate the principles of an explosive train and propose improved alternatives.

Core content

Chemistry of the synthesis of explosive molecules:

• Basic chemistry of nitration

• Synthesis examples of Lead Azide/Styphnate, TNT, RDX, NC, NG

• Basic stability/compatibility (to be extended in testing module)

   

  Material science of explosive materials

• Basic hazard/performance properties

• Crystal properties

• Binder properties

• Mechanical properties

• Environmental awareness

   

  Engineering of the manufacture of explosives

• Filling processes of explosive

• Plant design, safety

• Quality control

   

  Physics of explosions

• Detonics theory

• Shocks physics

• Explosives train

Upgrade to a professional qualification

When taken as a Short Course for Credit, 10 credit points can be put towards the Explosives Ordnance Engineering MSc.

Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

There are no prerequisites if taken as a Standalone Short Course.

Speakers

• Dr Licia Dossi (Module Leader)
• Dr Philip P Gill
• Dr Hugh Goyder
• Dr Ranko Vrcelj
• Dr Susan Waring
• Mrs Sally Gaulter
• Mr Gavin Dunhill
• Professor Peter Golding (AWE)
• Dr Peter Gould (QinetiQ)
• Professor Douglas Cleaver (Sheffield Hallam University)

Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available.

There are limited places on these modules. You may not receive an offer until places have been confirmed, usually 1 to 2 weeks before the start date.

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

For further location and travel details