Safety Management Services, Inc. (SMS) manufactures an ABL Friction Apparatus for clients who require in-house testing to determine the energy required to initiate a sample by friction energy application. Take a virtual tour of the ABL Friction machine.

The primary parts of the test apparatus are a moving anvil upon which the test sample is placed, a stationary wheel that applies a load to the sample, and a swinging pendulum that strikes the anvil to move it under the stationary wheel.

An explosive sample is placed on the anvil and the stationary wheel is lowered onto the sample such that the sample is pinched between the wheel and the anvil. The wheel is then statically loaded by a hydraulic ram to a predetermined load. The pendulum is positioned and released at an angle that will impart a predetermined velocity to the sliding anvil. A travel distance of approximately one inch perpendicular to the applied force is achieved with this apparatus. Initiation of the sample is determined by production of smoke, fire or an audible pop. Gas detection by infrared sampling analysis is also possible.

This test simulates potential initiation of explosive that may be caught in mechanical parts, which could apply a pinch or sliding load on the explosive. Solids, liquids, or powders can be tested with this apparatus.

Overall view of friction apparatus

Overall view of the friction mechanism

Close-up view of the friction wheel and anvil