Mechanism of burning rate enhancement of composite solid propellants by ferric oxide

摘要

This paper reports a series of experimental studies performed on sandwich propellants, wherein a matrix lamina of particulate oxidizer and polymeric binder is sandwiched between two AP laminae. The catalyst (ferric oxide) is incorporated in the matrix lamina. The variables are pressure (up to 1000 psi), matrix lamina thickness, catalyst concetration, type of oxidizer and binder, and the dispersion ability of the catalyst. The combined results indicate that under the conditions tested, near surface reactions associated with the particulate AP/binder interfacial surface area (in the matrix) assume significance in the presence of the catalyst. These are further augmented by the presence of the leading edge portion of the diffusion flame above the interface of the matrix and AP laminae ("LLEF").