Theoretical energy release of thermites, intermetallics, and combustible metals
Thermite (metal oxide) mixtures, intermetallic reactants, and metal fuels have long been used in pyrotechnic applications. Advantages of these systems typically include high energy density, impact insensitivity, high combustion temperature, and a wide range of gas production. They generally exhibit high temperature stability, and possess insensitive ignition properties. In this paper, the authors review the applications, benefits, and characteristics of thermite mixtures, intermetallic reactants, and metal fuels. Calculated values for reactant density, heat of reaction (per unit mass and per unit volume), and reaction temperature (without and with consideration of phase changes and the variation of specific heat values) are tabulated. These data are ranked in several ways, according to density, heat of reaction, reaction temperature, and gas production.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Financial Management and Controller, Washington, DC (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 658208
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-98-1176C; CONF-980728-; ON: DE98005512; BR: 400403310; TRN: US200223%%671
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Supercedes report DE98005512; PBD: Jun 1998; PBD: 1 Jun 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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