EFFECT OF FUEL AND OXIDANT PARTICLE SIZE ON THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF 60/40 POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE/ALUMINUM FLASH COMPOSITION

Abstract

Sub-sieve KClO4 and atomized Al powders, commercially classified into fine, medium and coarse fractions, were blended in 60/40 KClO4/Al compositions, loaded into plastic Titan cartridge cases, and tested for luminosity characteristics at sea level and a simulated ALTITUDE OF 80,000 FEET. Those systems containing fine (0-12 micron), medium (0-23 micron), and coarse (6-85 micron) KClO4 together with fine Al (0-17 micron) were the only systems which emitted enough light for pyrotechnic applications. Maintaining the aluminum particle size constant (fine fraction) and decreasing the oxidant particle size increased efficiency (candleseconds/gram) at both sea level and 80,000 feet. In general, the peak and integral light varied similarly at high altitude. At sea level, however, the composition with the coarse oxidant fraction produced the highest peak and integral light.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0266486

Entities

People

  • Joel M. Harris
  • Seymour M. Kaye

Organizations

  • Picatinny Arsenal

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Altitude
  • Cartridge Cases
  • End Items
  • Government Procurement
  • High Altitude
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Materials
  • Munitions
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Particle Size
  • Particles
  • Plastics
  • Resins
  • Sea Level
  • Thyroid Therapy Drugs

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Rocket Propulsion.