An Inverse Analysis for Establishing the Temperature-Dependent Thermal Conductivity of a Melt-Cast Explosive across the Whole Solidification Process

Thermal conductivity is one of the most important thermophysical properties of a melt-cast explosive. However, the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of such explosives cannot be easily measured across the whole solidification process (including the liquid, semi-solid, and solid states). This study used an inverse analysis method to estimate the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of a 2,4-dinitroanisole/cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (DNAN/HMX) melt-cast explosive in a continuous way. The method that was used is described here in detail, and it is verified by comparing the estimated thermal conductivity with a prespecified value using simulated measurement temperatures, thereby demonstrating its effectiveness. Combining this method with experimentally measured temperatures, the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of the DNAN/HMX melt-cast explosive was obtained. Some measured thermal conductivity values for this explosive in the solid state were used for further validation.