MIL-DTL-23659F
APPENDIX A
level of a major munition subsection, such as the warhead section. This is particularly important
for systems where a low order reaction could result in a hazardous situation.
b. An energetic reaction of the DILI during this test will eliminate the DILI from
consideration for non-interrupted ignition train applications. In their assembled configuration
within the ignition system, MIL-STD-1901 requires electrically fired initiators used in non-
interrupted applications to be incapable of being initiated by any electrical potential of less than
500 volts applied to any accessible part of the fuzing system. The term initiate is intended to
include not only the design mode, but also any energetic reaction of the explosive material
contained within the DILI.
c. The test calls for the use of test voltages that are common line potentials. The test is to be
performed using 28 VDC, and 440 VAC. Other voltage sources that can be inadvertently
coupled to the ILI in its intended application should also be considered.
d. Circuit behavior can vary according to the onset waveform. For that reason the onset of
voltage for this test shall be switched on in a controlled manner.
A.7.6.3. Maximum Allowable Electrical Sensitivity.
a. The intent of this test is to establish a fundamental electrical sensitivity threshold, below
which an ILI must not detonate, if it is to be considered for use in a non-interrupted explosive
train. This test is intended to serve as an implementation device for the current MIL-STD-1316
requirement that initiators used in non-interrupted energetic materials trains be incapable of
being detonated by any electrical potential of less than 500 volts. The approach taken to
accomplish this is to define a Maximum Allowable Electrical Sensitivity (MAES) fireset, which
would be used by all ILI to establish the maximum allowable electrical sensitivity threshold
level. The general idea is to have an adequately sized high voltage capacitor, coupled with a
sufficiently efficient high voltage switch and associated circuitry, to insure adequate electrical
insensitivity is provided for in the ILI design. When an ILI is capable of meeting the required
values for MASS and MNFV using the MAES fireset, it would ensure that the ILI inherently had
a sufficient degree of electrical insensitivity no matter how the intended-use fireset is configured.
This approach may be limited in applicability to ILI designs as we currently understand them,
and significantly different technologies may require definition of alternate test methods.
b. The Maximum Allowable Electrical Sensitivity (MAES) fireset is not necessarily related
to the intended-use fireset, and is to be used for this test only. It is recognized that the details
established for the MAES fireset are somewhat subjective and may require updating as fireset
technology matures. The MAES fireset parameters were selected based on commercial high
voltage component availability and standard commercial low impedance circuit construction
techniques. The goal in establishing the design details of the MAES fireset is to strike an
acceptable balance between ensuring an adequate degree of safety is provided for by the selected
insensitivity threshold, and avoiding driving ILI/fireset designs to impractical design solutions.
If the fireset used for firing properties produces discharge outputs that meet the performance
requirements of the MAES fireset, then the data from the ambient firing properties test may be
analyzed to meet the MAES requirement at the discretion of the appropriate safety authority.
The MAES fireset design parameters are not intended to direct the intended-use fireset design.
One of the basic intents of the MAES test is to assure that a common level of ILI insensitivity is
maintained. The ILI performance should be fully understood as a function of changes to the
fireset or fireset components to demonstrate ILI design maturity and input variability control.
Likewise, the ILI performance should be implicit in the design and the effects of changes in
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