scope:

SCOPE OF THE AGREEMENT

The STANAG is limited to matters relating to chemical compatibility of munition components with explosives and does not extend to procedures and requirements which concern the avoidance of incompatibility from other causes.

Attention is necessarily drawn to these causes which, for explosives, include:

(i) Migration of soluble or volatile ingredients at contact surfaces or through the vapour phase, leading to unacceptable changes in physical properties.

(ii) Changes in the sensitivity of the explosive to initiation by shock, friction or other external stimuli.

(iii) The introduction of an unacceptable risk of initiation by electrostatic discharge.

The STANAG is not concerned with compatibility between ingredients in explosive compositions and the consequent stability of such compositions.

The requirements of Annex B and the tests in Annex D ensure that the chemical compatibility of explosives with other ammunition components is at the necessary standard for safety during manufacture, storage and use, and for reliability after storage under approved conditions.

Explosives vary widely in their nature and properties and standardization of all compatibility test procedures is unlikely to be achieved. To assist in the harmonization of procedures to the maximum extent, Annex C presents principles to which acceptable compatibility tests should conform and which apply in cases where an agreed procedure from Annex D is not used.

The test Procedures in Annex D provide data which relate to the extent to which explosives react or decompose as a consequence of contact or proximity with the materials under test. The properties of explosives are diverse and no single test method is capable of overall applicability. A statement of applicability in each procedure provides guidance on the suitability of the procedure for the different classes of explosives.

A ratifying country which signifies its agreement to Procedures in Annex D will state in its acceptance the classes of explosives for which it accepts the Procedures as valid.