New Correlation between Electric Spark and Impact Sensitivities of Nitramine Energetic Compounds for Assessment of Their Safety

Electric spark and impact sensitivities of nitramine energetic compounds are two important sensitivity parameters, which are closely related to many accidents in working places. For nitramines, in contrast to electric spark sensitivity, their impact sensitivity can be easily measured or predicted by various methods. A new approach is introduced to correlate electric spark and impact sensitivities of nitramine energetic compounds by the use of three structural parameters. The predicted results of the novel model for 20 nitramines are compared with two of the best available models, which are based on complex quantum mechanical approach and the measured values of activation energies of thermolysis. The root‐mean‐square (rms) and maximum deviations of the new model are 1.06 and 2.41 J, respectively. For further 14 nitramines, where the measured electric spark or impact sensitivities were not available, the estimated electric spark sensitivities by the new model are close to those predicted based on experimental data of activation energies of thermolysis.