The purpose of these tests is to determine the fundamental material characteristics in determining processing and handling hazards. These tests are conducted first since impact, friction, and ESD sensitivity data must be conducted on materials suspected of having explosive properties prior to handling them in the larger quantities required for the remaining test series. Impact, friction, and ESD sensitivity data, when compared to the in-process potential, can determine the margins of safety and therefore the level of risk achieved when manufacturing or using the material in processing.

Impact Test

Impact tests are used to determine the response of an explosive when a moving mass impacts it. This test simulates impact conditions in processing operations, wherein an explosive is subjected to a collision between moving components of the processing equipment, by normal handling operations, or by the inadvertent dropping of tools or equipment.

The DOT and DoD use the Bureau of Explosives (BOE) impact machine to determine whether a material is too sensitive for transport by conducting a 10-trial screen test. This test is presented as a means used to obtain initial impact data for a manufacturing classification. However, a more thorough test using additional drop heights may be performed as needed in order to conduct a hazards analysis.

The UN prefers the BAM Fallhammer apparatus to determine the sensitivity of substances to impact. The material is forbidden for transport if the lowest impact energy at which at least one "explosion" occurs in six trials is 2 J or less. Using this or a similar impact apparatus, including various weights and heights; a more thorough understanding of the materials behavior to impact stimuli can be obtained as opposed to a screen test only conducted at one height using one weight.

Friction Tests

These tests simulate friction conditions that may occur in a process when an explosive is subjected to a frictional force between moving components or during material handling. The tests are used to produce friction profiles for the sample material. The two primary tests performed are the ABL and BAM friction tests.

In the ABL test the sample is placed on an anvil. Force is applied to the anvil through a hydraulic ram attached to a stationary wheel. A pendulum strikes the anvil and slides it under the wheel.

In the BAM friction machine, the force is applied to the sample by hanging weights on a lever arm attached to a pin. This pin is set on the plate containing the sample. An electric motor attached to the plate by a connecting rod slides the plate back and forth once under the pin (once forward and once backward).

Electrostatic Discharge Test

ESD testing is used to determine the response of an explosive when subjected to various levels of electrostatic discharge energy. The approaching needle method is most commonly used because it best models the common safety issues involved with ESD sensitivity. Electrostatic energy, stored in a charged capacitor, is discharged to the test sample by lowering the discharge needle until a spark is drawn through the sample. An infrared analyzer or sample consumption are means normally used to determine sample initiation.