Large Class 1.3 Rocket Motor Detonation Character

Large explosive class 1.3 solid .propellant rocket motors utilizing polybutadiene binder, aluminum fuel, and ammonium perchlorate oxidizer are typically considered explosively vlsafell. That is, the required stimulus is so large that motor detonation is extremely unlikely, even when donored by a sizeable high explosive charge. Two large ground cratering events have occurred during recent years in motor destruct operations. Recently, a 10,000 kilogram grain containing 90 percent combined aluminum and ammonium perchlorate solids was subjected to a 25 kilogram C4 donor. Discussion of the nature of these events and the large test and how observed results affect our outlook on large motor hazards will be presented.