A STUDY OF SOME FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE IMPACT SENSITIVENESS OF LIQUIDS DETERMINED USING THE BAM FALLHAMMER APPARATUS

We report the results of a systematic investigation of the effect of t wo experimental parameters on the results obtained using the BAM Fallh ammer test for liquids. We demonstrate that the impact sensitiveness o f liquids can be highly dependent on the initial gap set between the i mpact surfaces and also on the position occupied by the test material. From pressure measurements taken in the reaction chamber, a relations hip is derived between the pressure generated on impact and the likeli hood of ignition. The findings of our study, particularly the dependen ce of sensitiveness upon the initial gap, will have implications to sc hemes that employ the BAM Fallhammer test as part of the determination of hazardous properties (e.g. UN Test Series 3). Some recommendations are therefore made concerning changes to published impact test proced ures for liquids.