Predicting the impact sensitivity of a polymorphic high explosive: the curious case of FOX-7†
Abstract
The impact sensitivity (IS) of FOX-7 polymorphs is predicted by phonon up-pumping to decrease as layers of FOX-7 molecules flatten. Experimental validation proved anomalous owing to a phase transition during testing, raising questions regarding impact sensitivity measurement and highlighting the need for models to predict IS of polymorphic energetic materials.