Probing into the theory of impact sensitivity: propelling the understanding of phonon–vibron coupling coefficients

Abstract

The determination of impact sensitivity of energetic materials traditionally relies on expensive and safety-challenged experimental means. This has instigated a shift towards scientific computations to gain insights into and predict the impact response of energetic materials. In this study, we refine the phonon–vibron coupling coefficients ζ in energetic materials subjected to impact loading, building upon the foundation of the phonon up-pumping model. Considering the full range of interactions between high-order phonon overtones and molecular vibrational frequencies, this is a pivotal element for accurately determining phonon–vibron coupling coefficients ζ. This new coupling coefficient ζ relies exclusively on phonon and molecular vibrational frequencies within the range of 0–700 cm⁻¹. Following a regression analysis involving ζ and impact sensitivity (H₅₀) of 45 molecular nitroexplosives, we reassessed the numerical values of damping factors, establishing a = 2.5 and b = 35. This coefficient is found to be a secondary factor in determining sensitivity, secondary to the rate of decomposition propagation and thermodynamic factor (heat of explosion). Furthermore, the relationship between phonon–vibron coupling coefficients ζ and impact sensitivity was studied in 16 energetic crystalline materials and eight nitrogen-rich energetic salts. It was observed that as the phonon–vibron coupling coefficient increases, the tendency for reduced impact sensitivity H₅₀ still exists.