Solid Propellant Extinction by Laser Pulse

The possibility to generate a combustion transient of a composite AP.HTPB/86.14 propellant, burning under steady state conditions, was experimentally demonstrated by using a CO₂ laser energy pulse. The experimental results point out that the burning propellant behavior can be defined by the curves separating, for every operating pressure, the continuous burning from the extinction solutions. In this paper, a simplified theoretical approach gives a phenomenological explanation of the energy pulse effect on the combustion process and the consequent burning propellant response after the deradiation transient. In the framework of this study the extinction condition is formulated in terms of the minimum temperature that causes the burning propellant to quench at the Pressure Deflagration Limit. The proposed theoretical work is aimed, first of all, to determine the critical radiant flux values, for different operating pressures, below which the burning propellant extinction is never achieved even if the laser pulse duration tends to infinity. Then, the extinction boundaries are defined choosing two different approximate approaches that take into account the ratio between the condensed phase relaxation time and the radiant energy pulse duration. Two limit cases, defined as slow/fast interaction of the radiant energy with the combustion process, can be used to describe the burning propellant extinction phenomena, and the results of this work indicate that the general trend of the computed boundary limits reproduces the experimental data.     

Experimental Investigation on Laser Ignition and Combustion Characteristics of NEPE Propellant

The ignition and combustion property of solid propellant is the main content in internal ballistic research, which has a great significance for propulsion application and combustion mechanism. In this study, the detailed gas‐phase reaction mechanism of Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether Propellant (NEPE) was developed. It is helpful to understand the intricate processes of solid‐propellant combustion. The factors which may have influences on ignition delay time and temperature distribution of propellant surface was analyzed by laser ignition experiment. Using high‐speed camera and an infrared thermometer, the ignition and combustion process and the surface temperature distribution of NEPE propellant under laser irradiation were measured. Laser heat flux, ambient pressure and initial temperature of NEPE propellant have an influence on the ignition delay time and the surface temperature. Results show that the ignition delay time decreases with the increase of laser heat flux, ambient pressure and initial temperature of NEPE propellant. At the same time, with the increase of laser heat flux, the influences of ambient pressure and initial temperature on the ignition delay time decrease. Besides, laser irradiation, ambient pressure and initial temperature have significant influences on the surface temperature distribution of the propellant.     

Experimental and numerical approach to the study of the frequency response of solid propellants

The experimental study of the frequency response of burning solid propellants has been done using, as external forcing energy source, a CO₂ laser (60 W, 10.6 m). The laser radiant flux intensity was sinusoidally modulated and the response of the burning propellant was detected by measuring the recoil force generated by the gases coming out from the burning surface using a strain-gauge load cell which can operate inside the combustion chamber at the operating pressure. The tests were performed in the subatmospheric pressure range, and a composite propellant (AP.HTPB/86.14) was used. The combustion chamber was filled by inert gas (N₂), and for each working pressure several tests were carried out at different radiant flux frequency modulations in the range from 5 to 50 Hz. The results evince that the recoil force amplitude depends on the forcing laser frequency with a maximum for every working pressure. This experimental data set was then used to compare the nonlinear frequency response curves obtained by numerical integration of the combustion model equations. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results at 0.3 and 0.5 atm are shown, and the general trend, obtained by numerical simulations, of the propellant frequency response vs pressure in a broader range is presented and discussed.CNPM, National Research Council, Milan, Italy. Published in Fizika Goreniya i Vzryva, Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 36–40, May–June, 1993.     

Combustion Mechanism of Azide Polymer

The combustion wave structure and thermal decomposition process of azide polymer were studied to determine the parameters which control the burning rate. The azide polymer studied was glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) which contains energetic – N₃ groups. GAP was cured with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and crosslinked with trimethylolpropane (TMP) to formulate GAP propellant. From the experiments, it was found that the burning rate of GAP propellant is significantly high even though the adiabatic flame temperature of GAP propellant is lower than that of conventional solid propellants. The energy released at the burning surface of GAP propellant is caused by the scission of N N₂ bond which produces gaseous N₂. The heat flux transferred back from the gas phase to the burning surface is very small compared with the heat generated at the burning surface. The activation energy of the decomposition of the burning surface of GAP propellant, E_s, is determined to be 87 kJ/mol. The burning rate is represented by r = 9.16 × 10³ exp(–E_s/RT_s) where r (m/s) is burning rate, T_s (K) is the burning surface temperature, and R is the universal gas constant. The observed high temperature sensitivity of burning rate is correlated to the relationship of (∂T_s/∂T₀)_p = 0.481 at 5 MPa, where T₀ is the initial propellant temperature.     

Decomposition and Ignition of the High‐Nitrogen Compound Triaminoguanidinium Azotetrazolate (TAGzT)

The high‐nitrogen compound triaminoguanidinium azotetrazolate (TAGzT) belongs to a class of C, H and N compounds that are free of both oxygen and metal, but retain energetic material properties as a result of their high heat of formation. Its decomposition thus lacks secondary oxidation reactions of carbon and hydrogen. The fact that TAGzT is over 80% nitrogen makes it potentially useful as a gas generant and energetic material with a low flame temperature to increase the impulse in gun or rocket propellants. The burning rate, laser ignition and flash pyrolysis (T‐jump/FTIR spectroscopy) characteristics were determined. It was found that TAGzT exhibits one of the fastest low‐pressure burning rates yet measured for an organic compound. Both the decomposition and ignition behavior of TAGzT are dominated by condensed phase reactions. T‐Jump/FTIR spectroscopy indicates that condensed phase reactions release about 65% of the energy, which helps to explain the high burning rate at low pressure.     

Energetics of AMMO

The thermal decomposition process and combustion wave structure of azide polymer were studied to determine the parameters which control the burning rate. The azide polymer studied was 3-azidomethyl-3-methyl oxetane (AMMO) which contains energetic –N₃ groups. From the experiments, it was found that the thermal decomposition process of AMMO consists of a two-stage weight loss process: the first-stage corresponds to an exothermic reaction which is caused by the scission of N-N₂ bond, and the second-stage corresponds to the decomposition of the remaining fragments. The burning rate of AMMO is approximately 50% of the burning rate of GAP propellant and is as high as that of conventional double base propellant. The heat feedback from gas phase to the burning surface increase with increasing pressure. The burning surface temperature and the heat of reaction at the surface decrease with increasing pressure.     

Response of TEGDN Propellants to Plasma Ignition with the Same Magnitude of Ignition Energy as Conventional Igniters in an Interrupted Burning Simulator

In order to consider the potential influence of ignition energy factors on the response of double base propellants plasticized with triethyleneglycol dinitrate (TEGDN propellants), the influence of different ignition methods at the same magnitude of ignition energy level on the response of TEGDN propellants was investigated in an interrupted burning simulator. Compared to conventional ignition methods, plasma ignition exhibits a significantly shorter ignition delay and lower ignition energy. There are stronger ablation and impact interactions of plasma flow with the surface of propellants. For TEGDN propellants coated with titanium dioxide, a greater amount of melted white layer is deposited on the surface of propellants. The content of copper on the surface of recovered plasma‐ignited samples observed by X‐ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is much larger than that on the surface of recovered conventionally ignited samples, indicating more deposition of copper wire discharge on the surface of the samples. The test results will benefit the design of plasma generator and electrical parameters of pulse power to satisfy certain propellant compositions.     

LOVA发射药点火燃烧性能

制备了含有两种不同黏结剂的低易损性发射药(即LOVA发射药),并应用点火燃烧模拟装置与密闭爆发器对其点火燃烧性能进行了研究。结果表明,LOVA发射药难点火,但在点火药中添加高氯酸铵后可有效改善LOVA发射药的点火性能。LOVA发射药燃烧具有燃速系数低、燃速压力指数高等特点。     

环境气体氧含量对NEPE推进剂激光点火过程的影响

为研究环境气体氧含量对硝酸酯增塑聚醚(NEPE)推进剂激光点火过程的影响,采用CO2激光辐射点火并利用高速摄影仪记录NEPE推进剂的点火过程,讨论了环境气体氧含量对NEPE推进剂初焰位置与点火延迟时间的影响。结果表明,当环境气体氧含量小于NEPE推进剂热解产物中氧化性气体含量时,NEPE推进剂点火的气相反应发生在推进剂热解产物的分散区,初焰紧靠NEPE推进剂表面,环境气体氧含量变化不影响NEPE推进剂的点火延迟时间;当环境气体氧含量大于NEPE推进剂热解产物中氧化性气体含量时,NEPE推进剂点火的气相反应发生在推进剂热解产物与环境气体的扩散区,初焰远离NEPE推进剂表面,此时由于扩散区氧含量高于NEPE推进剂热解产物分散区氧含量,NEPE推进剂的点火延迟时间减小。     

Effects of Additives on the Ignition of AP-Based Propellants at subatmospheric pressures

The ammonium perchlorate (AP)-oxidized composite propellants, each of which contains separately copper chromite (CC) as a burning rate adjuster and carbon black (CB) as an opacifier, have been ignited at subatmospheric pressures of argon gas by means of a carbon dioxide laser, and the effects of the additives on the ignition behavior have been studied. It has been found that copper chromite shortens the ignition time especially below 100 torr and that at the same time it enhances the ignitability, i.e., self-sustaining ignition. Carbon black, being an opacifier decreasing reflectivity and increasing radiative absorption at propellant surface, can not be recognized to be an active catalyst in ignition at subatmospheric pressures. The data of differential thermal analysis (DTA) for above specimens have indicated that the maximum exothermic peak temperature is shifted toward a lower one with the increase in CC concentration, the exothermic peak structure becoming sharper. However, CB addition to the basic propellant makes exothermic peaks less distinct. The results of DTA support those obtained from the ignition experiments above.     

一种LOVA发射药燃烧残渣现象分析

针对点火模拟装置中某种LOVA发射药燃烧结束留有残渣的现象,将自制样品在常温和常压下进行环境燃烧试验、中止燃烧试验及SEM观察.归纳出残渣产生的原因,分析了LOVA发射药的燃烧规律和燃烧特性.结果表明,配方中RDX组分与含能黏结剂BAMO/AMMO聚合物体系的燃烧不同步性、以及该类发射药氧含量低是造成LOVA发射药燃烧...     

一种三基药的等离子体点火实验研究

为探索等离子体对三基药的作用机理,用X射线能谱仪(EDS)和扫描电子显微镜(SEM)分析了三基药等离子体点火试验后的火药试样。结果表明,等离子体与三基药作用时首先发生局部物理化学反应,使其表层产生许多孔洞,改变了常规点火方式中火药表层先发生熔化的模式;同时等离子体射流的冲击作用使得火药表层产生了缝隙,增加了点传火通道,可相应增大点火和燃烧面积。     

Solid Propellant Burning Rate From Strand Burner Pressure Measurement

Strand burner pressure–time data are analyzed to determine if the propellant burning rate can be extracted. This approach is based on strand burner pressure–time history that is related to the temperature change due to exothermic reaction heating of chamber gases and gas addition to the chamber by propellant combustion products. In support of this method, chemical equilibrium calculations were made to project product composition, internal energy, and other needed properties. A mathematical model was formulated and solved numerically and the calculated burning rates were compared with the experimental wire‐break time results provided simultaneously and with the propellant manufacturer's results, when available. The comparisons reveal that the approach has merit and that more accurate pressure determination coupled with additional thermochemical information and strand burner gas temperature measurements has the potential to make this approach a viable technique and one that can be applied in conjunction with other burning rate measurements. The proposed method is similar to a well‐developed technique which is commonly applied to ballistic powders but with adjustments for the differences in geometry, pressure, and time of event.     

Burning Characteristics of Ammonium Nitrate‐Based Composite Propellants Supplemented with Fe2O3

Ammonium nitrate (AN)‐based composite propellants have attracted a considerable amount of attention because of the clean burning nature of AN as an oxidizer. However, such propellants have several disadvantages such as poor ignition and a low burning rate. In this study, the burning characteristics of AN‐based propellants supplemented with Fe₂O₃ as a burning catalyst were investigated. The addition of Fe₂O₃ is known to improve the ignitability at low pressure. Fe₂O₃ addition also increases the burning rate, while the pressure exponent generally decreases. The increasing ratio (R) of the burning rate of the AN/Fe₂O₃ propellant to that of the corresponding AN propellant vs. the amount of Fe₂O₃ added (ξ) depends on the burning pressure and AN content. R decreases at threshold value of ξ. The most effective value of ξ for increasing the burning rate was found to be 4 % for the propellant at 80 % AN, and the value generally decreased with decreasing AN content. According to thermal decomposition kinetics, Fe₂O₃ accelerates the reactions of AN and binder decomposition gases in the condensed‐ and/or gas‐phase reaction zones. The burning characteristics of the AN‐based propellant were improved by combining catalysts with differing catalytic mechanisms instead of supplementing the propellant with a single catalyst owing to the multiplicative effect of the former.     

Burning Phenomena of the Gun Propellant JA2

The combustion phenomena of the standard gun propellant JA2 are investigated in experiments and analyzed by a simplified theoretical model. Hereby energy transfer from the gas phase governs ignition and combustion of solid rocket and gun propellants. In addition to the heat conduction and convection, the radiation of the flame contributes to the heat feedback which controls the burning rate in dependence on pressure. The dependence on the initial temperature is given by physical parameters of the conversion from the solid to the gaseous state. Burning rates are measured in dependence on pressure and initial temperature confirming a simplified law for the burning rate. The evaluation yields that the pressure exponent can be directly assigned to the heat feedback and that the temperature of the conversion from the condensed to the gas phase lies at about 675 K. The experiments also comprise spectroscopic measurements at low pressures in the wavelength ranges from 300 nm to 14000 nm which are resolved spatially along the vertical flame profile. The analysis of the spectra delivers the profiles of species in the flames including di‐atomic radicals and tri‐atomic molecules of the final combustion products. In addition, gas phase temperatures are derived by application of the Single‐Line‐Group model which gives approximately 2800 K closely below the adiabatic flame temperature of 2900 K at low pressures. They are compared to temperatures assigned to soot particle emission. In summary, these data enable an estimation of the heat feedback from the flame to the burning surface.     

等离子体增强固体火药燃烧性能的实验研究

利用300mL电热化学密闭爆发器研究了在不同输入电能、装填密度和初始温度下等离子体点火对某混合酯高能19孔花边形固体火药颗粒燃烧性能的影响;分析了上述不同条件下等离子体对该固体火药燃烧速率影响的变化规律。结果表明,输入等离子体电能从15.4kJ增大到61.6kJ后,固体火药燃速在100MPa时提高106%,200MPa时提高30%,300MPa以上燃速无明显变化;等离子体点火对低温火药燃烧初期和中期的燃速均有显著的增强作用,对高温火药点火燃烧初始燃速的增强作用较为明显。     

ETPE发射药等离子体点火的燃烧特性

为解决ETPE发射药点火延迟时间长及难点火的问题,用高功率脉冲电源通过等离子体发生器产生电弧等离子体点燃ETPE发射药,并研究了ETPE发射药在等离子体作用条件下的点火燃烧特性.结果表明,与常规点火方式相比,等离子体作用使ETPE发射药的燃速显著增强,点火延迟期缩短,点火的一致性改变.分析认为,等离子体高温高速射流的强作用使得RDX颗粒快速越过吸热熔融过程达到分解放热阶段,所以ETPE发射药点火延迟期缩短以及燃烧初期燃速提高.     

Three‐Dimensional Simulation of Pressure Fluctuation in a Granular Solid Propellant Chamber within an Ignition Stage

The effects of the conditions of the ignition system in the propellant chamber of a gun system using a granular solid propellant are numerically investigated with respect to ignition performance criteria such as the differential pressure generation between the breech and the projectile base. Simulations, in which the length of the primer and the igniter mass are varied, are performed using a solid/gas two‐phase fluid dynamics code for three‐dimensional calculation of gas flow and discrete solid propellant particles. This code simulates the igniter combustion in the primer, the movement of burning solid propellant grains, and the formation of pressure gradients inside the chamber in the ignition process. The differential pressures between the breech and the projectile base measured in experiments are well predicted by the simulations for various igniter conditions. In the process of igniting the solid propellant, the propellant grains are accelerated toward the projectile base by the igniter gas flows from the primer vents. Fixed‐particle simulation is also carried out in order to examine the effects of the movement of the solid propellant grains on the chamber pressure profile. The simulated results reveal that the movement of solid propellant grains causes differential pressure fluctuations, which depend on the discharge from the primer vents and the locations of these vents.     

A Study of Solid Propellant Containing Titanium Hydride

The burning rate characteristics of the propellant containing TiH₂ have been examined in order to understand the effect of TiH₂ addition on the combustion wave structure. The burning rate increases and the pressure exponent of burning rate decreases as the addition of TiH₂ increases. Using very fine thermocouples which were embedded within the propellant samples, the heat transfer process in the combustion wave was determined. The results indicate that the heat flux feedback from the gas phase to the burning surface increases when TiH₂ is mixed within the propellants.     

发射药用聚二甲基丙烯酸乙二醇酯钝感包覆层性能研究

为研究高分子钝感发射药改变燃烧规律的机理，研究了其涂覆层的聚合条件。通过改变聚合方式、温度、时间、引发剂、聚合界面的方法，探讨了涂覆层的聚合工艺；通过材料试验机试验和热分解试验，研究了聚二甲基丙烯酸乙二醇酯（PEDMA）涂覆层在不同温度下的力学性能及其热分解规律。研究发现，采用合适的工艺可制得钝感发射药；PEDMA在单基药表面形成钝感层且存在过渡的互穿网络结构，涂覆层和基体药的力学性能受温度影响差别较大，这一特性是高分子钝感药温度系数低的原因之一。热分解研究表明，PEDMA钝感发射药改变了传统单基药的燃烧规律，具有延迟点火和变燃速的特点。