Structural and physicochemical changes in RDX under vibration

The kinetics and velocity of solid-state RDX decomposition under the action of vibration were determined experimentally as functions of vibration parameters and the initial temperature of the substance. Changes in the macro- and microstructure of the crystals were studied using x-ray diffraction and x-ray phase analyses and microscopy. The change in the chemical composition after vibration was studied by IR spectroscopy. It is concluded that the mechanism and kinetics of RDX decomposition under vibration differ significantly from those of thermal decomposition. This is associated with the mechanochemical activation of potential active centers at the sites of formation and multiplication of dislocations, with the fatigue mechanism of crack initiation under cyclic loads, and with the appearance of heating spots during breakup of particles.