Potential Multipurpose Additives: Flash-Erosion Suppressant

摘要

Erosion and simultaneous flash were measured on M30 propellant and on a series of propelling charges containing M30 and various candidate additives. The data acquired with the ARRADCOM test fixture indicated that the carbonates and bicarbonates of both potassium and ammonium performed as well or better than the standard erosion additives (TiO2 and talc) in reducing erosion. The flash data revealed that the bicarbonates of potassium and ammonium as well as ammonium carbonate reduced flash better than either potassium nitrate or potassium sulfate. Potassium carbonate reduced flash as well as potassium nitrate and better than potassium sulfate. In addition, the ammonium salts did not contribute to the smoke. Limited field tests were conducted in an experimental 81-mm recoilless gun. Blast overpressure was reduced by 56% because of the ammonium bicarbonate smokeless flash reduction.