On the Theory of Combustion of Powder and Explosives
Abstract
A scheme of combustion of smokeless powder is proposed, providing for its conversion to energy-rich gaseous substances by heterogeneous reaction and the subsequent reaction of these substances, liberating the heat of combustion in the gaseous phase at the surface of the powder. A theory of steady-state combustion of condensed substances, determining the temperature distribution, concentration distribution, and combustion rate, is discussed. A consideration of the exothermic reaction in the liquid phase indicates that steady-state combustion at a high boiling point is impossible. Formulas are given for calculating the conditions of transition from combustion to detonation. A nonsteady-state theory of the combustion of condensed substances was constructed, based on the fact that the relaxation time of the heat distribution in the condensed phase is much greater than that of the gaseous phase. A combustion limit, reached when the combustion rate drops to 37% of the combustion rate at the boiling point, was predicted on the basis of nonsteady-state theory. A theory of the ignition of condensed substances was constructed on the basis of nonsteady-state theory. The time and amount of heat required for ignition are determined chiefly by the preheating of the condensed phase. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0468286
Entities
People
- Ya. B. Zel'dovich
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal