For a chemist who is concerned with the synthesis of new energetic compounds it is essential
to be able to assess physical and thermodynamic properties as well as the sensitivity of
possible new energetic compounds before synthesis is attempted. Various approaches have been
developed to predict important aspects of the physical and thermodynamic properties of
energetic materials including (but not limited to): crystal density heat of formation melting
point enthalpy of fusion and enthalpy of sublimation of an organic energetic compound. Since
an organic energetic material consists of metastable molecules capable of undergoing very rapid
and highly exothermic reactions many methods have been developed to estimate the sensitivity
of an energetic compound with respect to detonationcausing external stimuli such as heat
friction impact shock and electrostatic discharge. This book introduces these methods and
demonstrates those methods which can be easily applied.
