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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Combustion of energetic materials: Semi annual progress report, April-September 1987

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7072933

Our program emphasizes fundamental research and is directed towards understanding the combustion, chemistry and physics of energetic solids and liquids. Experimental effort consists of the following: (1) solid propellant thermal decomposition and deflagration studies and (2) liquid monopropellant ignition and combustion studies. A gas-flame experiment designed to model the two-stage flame characteristics of solid propellant deflagration has been established and both conventional and laser diagnostics have been incorporated into it. Thermal decomposition (using laser heating) of solid propellants is being studied using a modulated molecular beam mass spectrometer that will be complemented by laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics. Gas-phase flame models used previously for hydrocarbon flame analysis are being extended to study gas-phase reactions in nitramine propellants. Quantum chemistry calculations are being performed to investigate the molecular decomposition mechanisms of energetic materials. Solid propellant deflagration is being modeled analytically and through the use of two-dimensional thermochemical codes developed earlier for related research programs. Droplet combustion models developed for hydrocarbon fuels are being extended for liquid monopropellant applications. 43 refs., 40 figs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
7072933
Report Number(s):
SAND-88-8001; ON: DE88011286
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English