Detonation of pressed HMX charges

The pressure-profile measurement results obtained in the shock-wave front i n bromoform upon detonation of HMX charges of diameter 40 mm and length 22- 110 mm are reported. The initial density of the charges was 1.81 g/cm(3). I n all the experiments, a monotonic decrease in pressure occurred, and a che mical peak was not observed. With increase in the charge length, the maximu m pressure values first increase and then decrease. An analysis of the pres sure measurement results shows that, for the given charge size and the init iation system used, the process of NMX detonation occurs in a nonstationary regime.