Multiple charge reaction cell for studies of primary explosives

A reaction cell for the detonation of primary explosives is described. The cell is 250 mm in diameter and contains 30 samples, which can be initiated consecutively using a laser beam. A manually driven mechanism is used to locate each charge in its turn in a central firing position without having to break the vacuum. Eight 3-in. observation windows and four 0.25-in. feedthrough ports allow recording and analysis of the emission resulting from the detonation products. The design provides a means for protection against accidental explosion. The cell is currently being used for spectroscopic studies of the gaseous reaction products obtained from the detonation of lead azide.