The Trauzl lead block test, also called the Trauzl test or just Trauzl, is a test used to measure the strength of explosive materials. It was developed by Isidor Trauzl in 1885.
The test is performed by loading a 10-gram foil-wrapped sample of the explosive into a hole drilled into a lead block with specific dimensions. The hole is then topped up with sand, and the sample is detonated electrically. After detonation, the volume increase of the cavity is measured. The result, given in cm3, is called the Trauzl number of the explosive.
The Trauzl test is not useful for some modern higher-powered explosives as their power often cracks or otherwise ruptures the lead block, rendering it incapable of containing the volume-measuring medium.[1]
A variant of the test uses an aluminium block in an effort to reduce participants' exposure to lead-related hazards.
Explosive power of chemical explosives by Trauzl number:
| Explosive | Trauzl rating (cm³/g) |
|---|---|
| Acetone peroxide | 25-33 |
| RDX (C4/Hexogen) | 45 |
| HMTD | 33 |
| HMX (octogen) | 48 |
| Nitroglycerin | 52 |
| Pentaerythritol tetranitrate | 52 |
| Trinitrotoluene (TNT) | 30 |