Effect of wire material on the energy deposition in electro-chemical coupling explosions

To enhance the total energy output and power of energetic materials, this study employs plasma generated by electrically exploded metal wires to initiate the detonation of energetic materials, achieving coupled release of electrical and chemical energy. Using a self-built experimental system for electro-chemical coupling explosion, voltage and current curves during the explosion process were measured under ambient temperature and pressure in air. The electro-chemical coupling explosion was divided into four typical stages. The research indicates that the primary energy deposition of different metal materials occurs at distinct stages: nickel and copper wires, with their medium boiling points and high temperature coefficients of resistance, achieve efficient phase change energy deposition during the wire phase transition and current pause stages. During the plasma discharge stage, aluminum undergoes explosive vaporization due to oxide layer fracture and forms highly conductive plasma owing to its low ionization energy, leading to a significant leap in energy deposition. Tungsten, through latent heat accumulation in the liquid phase and a sharp increase in resistance, accounts for over 80% of its energy deposition during the plasma discharge stage. The study also reveals that the unique current pause phenomenon in electro-chemical coupling explosions is influenced by metal properties (such as temperature coefficient of resistance, boiling point, and latent heat of vaporization). Copper wires exhibit the longest current pause duration, while tungsten wires show no such phenomenon. This paper systematically investigates the power and energy deposition characteristics during electro-chemical coupling explosions, elucidates the influence mechanisms of metal materials on the energy release process, and provides experimental evidence and technical support for enhancing the total energy output and power of energetic materials.