Quantitative Evaluation of Ignition Probability for Polymer‐Bonded Explosives Under Low‐Speed Impact

ABSTRACT Non‐shock ignition poses significant danger to the safety of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs). The phenomenon is not only related to the chemical characteristics of energetic materials but also related to their microstructures; it sometimes shows random features. Inspired by Walker–Wasley threshold, a modified ignition threshold is proposed and incorporated in the Viscoelastic Statistical CRAck Mechanics model (Visco‐SCRAM model) to evaluate the accumulated energy input in PBXs and the ignition probability. First, the Visco‐SCRAM model was implemented and validated with a Steven test. Then, the Visco‐SCRAM model was applied with the modified ignition threshold to evaluate the ignition probability for a series of Steven tests. The proposed methodology may facilitate immediate safety evaluation of PBXs in non‐shock ignition.