Fuel-Rich Solid Propellant Boron Combustion

摘要

Single particle boron ignition and combustion models developed in earlier phases of this program have been utilized and extended to treatment of boron cloud ignition, oxidizer depletion effects on cloud combustion time, laminar flame speeds in boron dust clouds, agglomerate ignition, and the effects of halogens, lithium fluoride coatings, and metal coatings on particle ignition. In addition, they have been utilized in a modular combustor model (well-stirred reactor followed by a two-dimensional mixing zone) of boron slurry combustion. Critical deficiencies in knowledge of processes of condensation of various boron oxides/hydroxides have been defined and an experiment to better quantify and understand these processes has been designed. An experimental program for definition of kinetics of boron oxide liquid plus water vapor (important to boron particle ignition) has been carried out. A comprehensive data base of ignition and combustion times for small (10 to 50 micron) boron particles in various wet and dry environments has been developed and a limited experimental study of the effects of LiF coatings on boron ignition performed. Finally, experiments aimed at characterizing dominant processes is boron solid-fuel ramjet combustion, utilizing a windowed slab burner, have been accomplished. (Author)