Characteristic Properties of an End Burning Grain with Smoke Reduced Ferrocene Containing Composite Propellant

摘要

Design,formulation and properties of an end burning grain are described which works for underwater propulsion operation at the level of 1200N thrust for 20 s burning time.To avoid cavitational noise the formation of hot particles must be prevented.For this reason a smoke reduced composite propellant based on AP/HTPB with 86% energetic solids including 14% HMX and with 1% ferrocene derivative was adapted to grain size and motor configuration.For inhibition a pyrolytically stabilized polyurethane insulation was applied.The thermal insulation was made from a stiff high temperature resistant phenolic resin. The propellant exhibited a smooth burning behaviour with good processibility and mechanical properties.The desired performance was delivered at 120 bar operating pressure connected to 165 mm grain diameter and 93% thrust efficiency. Looking closer to the system it was found that part of the ferrocene derivative and plasticizer migrated from the propellant block to the inhibition layer.In the course of migration a small change of burning but a larger change of mechanical properties occurred in the boundary of the propellant.Despite these disadvantages burning times of 5 s and 10 s had been successfully realized with a case bonded configuration.For larger grain sizes,however,cracks occurred around the surface of the cylindrical propellant block.Calculation of the mechanical stresses which built up upon thermal shrinkage after curing and cooling showed valuse higher than the mechanical strength of the propellant could fit.These problems finally were overcome by a free standing grain.It led to a successful function of the motor for burning times of 20 s and more.