| Abstract: | Laser ignition experiments were conducted to better understand parameters that influence ignition of energetic materials. A Nd:YAG laser (10 ms, 1.5 J, 3 mm spot diameter) was used to heat the top surface of an energetic powder composed of nanometric aluminum (Al) combined stoichiometrically with an oxidizer (copper oxide (CuO), iodine pentoxide (I2O5), polytetrafluoroethylene (C2F4), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) or iron oxide (Fe2O3)). Ignition delay time was calculated as the difference between first light of the laser’s flash lamp and the energetic material. Results show that laser energy required for ignition is dependent on pre‐ignition reactions, phase change/decomposition temperatures, confinement, and laser absorbance. |
