Subatmospheric burning characteristics of AP/CTPB composite propellants with burning rate modifiers

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Combustion and Flame; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-2180(90)90048-V· OSTI ID:6729092

Krishnan, S; Jeenu, R ^[1]

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1. Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Inst. of Tech., Madras-600 036 (IN)

While burning at subatmospheric pressure, composite propellant generally fume and under certain conditions eject partially reacted particles. This characteristic property is exploited in this study to understand the mechanism of burning rate modification. The additives CuCr{sub 2}O{sub 4}, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Sb{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Al(OH){sub 3} gel, and LiF were used with unmetallized AP/CTPB (carboxy terminated polybutadiene) composite propellants, and the following studies were done: burning rate measurements below and above atmospheric pressure (up to 70 bar); quantitative chemical analysis of fume deposits and ejected particles; and scanning electron microscope examination of the microstructure of the surface extinguished propellant samples. The results of the studies at subatmospheric pressure indicate that burning rate enhancers augment the AP/binder interfacial reactions, CuCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} decomposes into copper oxide and chromium oxide with net heat release, and if this occurs at the surface, it constitutes one route by which the burning rate could be enhanced, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} possibly enhances near-surface breakdown of heavy fuel molecules, and the melt layer on AP particles and the low-viscosity binder-melt, which exist when LiF is present in the propellants, possibly depress the burning rate.

• OSTI ID: 6729092
• Journal Information: Combustion and Flame; (USA), Journal Name: Combustion and Flame; (USA) Vol. 80:1; ISSN CBFMA; ISSN 0010-2180
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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