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Sensitivity of Energetic Materials. Prediction and Measurement of Shock, Impact, Friction, and Spark Sensitivity

  • Book

  • November 2026
  • Elsevier Science and Technology
  • ID: 6251815
Sensitivity of Energetic Materials: Prediction and Measurement of Shock, Impact, Friction, and Spark Sensitivity provides an in-depth exploration of the sensitivity of energetic materials, including how compounds such as explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics respond to various external stimuli (sparks, shocks, impacts, and friction). Starting from foundational principles, the book systematically builds toward advanced experimental techniques and state-of-the-art computational models that predict material sensitivity and behavior. Its primary objectives are to synthesize the latest research, present practical testing methods, and deliver predictive tools that support safer, more innovative work with energetic materials, making it an essential reference for the field. The topic is both significant and timely, given the ongoing development of new energetic compounds, the need for rigorous safety standards, and the growing application of computational and machine learning methods in analytical chemistry and material science. Key themes include the underlying science of sensitivity, experimental protocols, computational and machine learning models, and real-world case studies addressing both established and emerging materials (including nitramines, polynitro arenes, and ionic liquids). The book’s structure encompasses theoretical background, measurement techniques, predictive modeling, and practical applications. Its target audience includes academic researchers, postgraduate students, and industry professionals in chemistry, materials science, engineering, defense, aerospace, mining, and industrial safety. By bridging theory and practice, and addressing inconsistencies in testing and data management, the book fills a critical gap in safety and innovation and empowers users to solve real-world problems efficiently, improve safety standards, and stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

Table of Contents

Part I: Fundamentals and Theoretical Background
1. Introduction to Sensitivity of Energetic Materials
2. Molecular and Structural Factors Influencing Sensitivity
3. Electric Spark Sensitivity (EES): Mechanisms and Significance
4. Shock Sensitivity: Principles and Measurement Techniques
5. Impact Sensitivity: Mechanisms and Testing Methods
6. Friction Sensitivity: Mechanisms and Testing Protocols

Part II: Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation
7. Instrumentation for Electric Spark Sensitivity Testing
8. Impact Sensitivity of Energetic Materials: Advancement of Experimental Testing, Powder Properties, and Implications for Chemical Design

Part III: Predictive Models and Computational Tools
9. Computational Methods for Predicting Electric Spark Sensitivity
10. Predictive Models for Shock Sensitivity
11. Impact and Friction Sensitivity Prediction: Challenges and Solutions

Part IV: Applications and Future Directions
12. Case Studies: Sensitivity of Nitramines, Polynitro Arenes, and Ionic Liquids
13. Machine Learning Analysis of Molecular Electronic Structure and Sensitivity in Energetic Compounds

Authors

Mohammad Hossein Keshavarz Lecturer and Researcher, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Iran.

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Keshavarz has been a lecturer and researcher at the Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Iran, since 1997. Between 1997 and 2008, he served as an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor of Physical Chemistry at the university's Shahin Shahr campus. His main research interests involve the assessment of properties, performance, and toxicity of materials, with a particular focus on energetic materials-explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. He has substantial expertise in the prediction and experimental evaluation of the sensitivity of energetic materials to external stimuli, such as electric spark, shock, impact, and friction, as well as the development of empirical and computational models for material behavior. Dr. Keshavarz is also actively involved in safety analysis and the development of innovative handling and testing protocols for hazardous substances.