Radiative Ignition of Double-Base Propellants. I. Some Formulation Effects.

摘要

In this first paper of a two part study, the ignition response to arc image radiative heating (5 to 100 cal sq cm sec) of several double-base propellants is examined; comparisons with certain AP and HMX propellants are made also. Ignition delay is affected by chemical factors in propellant formulation (stability of the condensed phase, reaction rate in the gas phase) and by optical factors in propellant formulation (opacifiers affecting reflectivity and in-depth absorption). The results show that comparisons of the chemical factors in the formulation can only be made properly when the optical factors are minimized (as by carbon addition). When optical factors are minimized by opacifying the propellant, one finds, in order of increasing ease of ignitability, the formulations tested fall as follows: HMX composite, AP composite, double base (noncatalyzed), double base (catalyzed). (Author)