Fundamentals of Explosive Ordnance

Explosive ordnance is used throughout the armed services to project power. Consequently, a thorough understanding of how explosive ordnance behaves in terms of its effects, as well as environmental and testing methodologies and the way that explosives function from a fundamental perspective, is crucial for the safe handling of these sometimes-complex systems.This book provides a rigorous foundation for understanding how explosives and explosive ordnance systems operate. Its scope is deliberately broad. It begins with the fundamentals of explosive materials and progresses to detonation physics, including the classical Chapman–Jouguet theory as well as Zeldovich-von Neumann-Döring theory. The text also examines shock physics, fragmentation and penetration analysis, testing of explosives and explosive ordnance, and the use of shock tubes and blast simulators to advance our understanding of blast-wave effects. In addition, it examines the need for insensitive munitions and content on environmental considerations. Finally, it explores sacrificial claddings for blast protection and presents recent observations on the use of drones in the conflict in Ukraine.With contributions from established researchers and practitioners around this world, this book is written for students, engineers, defence professionals, and researchers. It offers a systematic, and sometimes in-depth introduction to the field—bridging fundamental theory with real-world ordnance behaviour. Whether used as a teaching text or a technical reference, it equips readers with the tools needed to engage with modern explosive systems.

Paul Hazell is a professor of Impact Dynamics at UNSW Canberra, Australia, and a leading researcher in the mechanics of high-rate phenomena. With an extensive body of work on shock loading and the dynamic response of materials and structures, he also serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals in these fields. He is the author of ARMOUR: Materials, Theory, and Design (CRC Press, 2nd edition, 2022) and focuses his research on the behavior of materials and structures under impact and shock loading. In addition to his research, Paul has taught courses on computational modeling, shock wave theory, impact dynamics, and protection engineering, earning multiple awards for his engaging and dynamic teaching style. His expertise has also been featured in several documentaries, where he has provided insightful commentary on defense and weapons technology.Nicholas Kanizaj is a senior lecturer in Explosive Ordnance at the School of Engineering and Technology, UNSW Canberra, Australia. His expertise encompasses commercial research across multiple specialized domains, including rocket propellants, small arms propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. As an educator, Nicholas delivers comprehensive instruction across several critical areas of explosive ordnance engineering. His teaching portfolio includes courses on rocket motor design, propellants, pyrotechnics, and explosive ordnance design and systems, where he combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare the next generation of specialists in this highly specialized field. His dual role as both researcher and educator allows him to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical implementation in explosive ordnance technology, contributing significantly to both the advancement of the field and the development of skilled professionals..