Surveillance and Proof M7 Slide 1

Definitions  Service Life: The overall life span  Storage Life: The life in specified storage conditions (part of service life)  Stability: Properties affecting safety  Surveillance: Systematic method of evaluating properties and performance  Proof: A type of surveillance, specifically functional testing or live firing MA7 Slide 2

Purpose  Only way to establish safety and stability  Allows assessment of the ammunition Safety Reliability Operational effectiveness  May permit extensions to the shelf life MA7 Slide 3

Purpose  Safety and stability in storage  Safety, reliability and performance during use  Monitor environmental conditions  Detect failure modes before the user is affected  Predictions to support procurement plan  Extend the in-service life in an informed way MA7 Slide 4

Aging and Degradation of Ammunition PhysicalChemical MA7 Slide 5

Physical  Examples: Energetic materials: De-bonding between explosive and inert surfaces Stabiliser depletion within the energetic material Electronics: Component ageing Component shock damage Structure: O-ring failure Mechanical damage (impact, corrosion) MA7 Slide 6

Chemical  Factors: High temperatures Large variations in temperature Low temperatures High or low humidity Vibration Shock Pressure MA7 Slide 7

Vibration MA7 Slide 8

Baseline Data  A baseline (or benchmark): Manufacturer’s test results and proof results Explosive safety assessment data Accelerated aging tests Component fatigue tests Measurement against known norms Test results from other nations Explosive Hazard Data Sheets Compatibility data MA7 Slide 9

Climatic Impact on the Degradation of Explosives MA7 Slide 10

Climatic Impact on the Degradation of Propellants MA7 Slide 11

In Service Proof  Examples: Guns: Tests on muzzle velocity, range, accuracy Grenades: Tests on delay time Pyrotechnics: Tests on burning time MA7 Slide 12

In Service Proof  Illustrative Example: Hand Grenade Proof Tests MA7 Slide 13

Chemical Stability of Explosives Good performance at proof ≠ chemical stability Chemical stability needs to be monitored as well Proof and surveillance are both required MA7 Slide 14

Chemical Stability of Propellants  Accelerated aging: Physical tests eg Abel Heat Test, Methyl Violet, NATO 65.5ºC Chemical Tests Eg High Performance Liquid Chromatography, In the final stages of decomposition, some propellants can give off BROWN FUMES of nitrogen dioxide. This is an EXTREME situation and indicates that auto-ignition is imminent and that a FIRE COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME. MA07 Slide 15

In Service Stability Surveillance Systems System components: An effective ammunition management plan Trained and experienced technical staff A capable explosives laboratory Effective sampling mechanisms An efficient ammunition accounting system National Authority responsibility, planning and direction MA7 Slide 16

In Service Stability Surveillance Systems Known details: Selection for testing: Age Harsh climate condition Length of time stored out of depots Unusual performance Transported lots Existing test results Unknown details: Selection for testing: High temperature Age Unknown origin Unknown composition Suspect deterioration Unusual characteristics MA7 Slide 17

In Service Stability Surveillance Systems  Date of manufacture  Batch or lot number  Nomenclature (technical name)  Form in which the explosive is held  Quantity held  Due date of next stability test  Type of stability test required  The current storage location of the explosive MA7 Slide 18

In Service Stability Surveillance Systems  Example stability test schedule MA7 Slide 19

Surveillance of Nitrate Esters MA7 Slide 20

Questions MA7 Slide 21