Aim Influence of principal explosive particle size on shock initiation sensitivity of a booster explosive (HMX∶F2641=95∶5) is studied. Methods Standard Small Scale Gap Test is used to determine the shock sensitivities and theoretical analysis is conducted. Results The data of shock sensitivity
which is represented by 50% initiation gap width
for varied particle size of principal explosive is presented. Conclusion Principal explosive particle size is of marked effect on the shock sensitivity of booster explosives and the sensitivity decreases with reducing the particle size of principal explosives.