Development of New Catalysts for the Burning Rate Control of High Energy Smokeless Nitraminedouble-Base Propellants

摘要

Studies leading toward the development of new combustion catalysts which are very effective in reducing the temperature and pressure dependency of burning rate of high energy (230 - 240 lb-sec/lb) smokeless nitramine (RDX, HMX) propellants are discussed. Described are the methods of manufacture, proposed reactions and analytical and X-ray diffraction data of the new combustion catalysts. Strand burning rate data are presented for extruded and plastisol (cross-linked and uncross-linked) propellants. The results show the highly effective nature of the new combustion catalysts in reducing the variability of burning rate to changes in temperature and pressure of these propellant types. Propellants investigated have application for close support and other weapon systems where high performance and smokelessness are required. (Author)