Metal-Oxidant Igniter Materials
Abstract
An investigation of the physical and chemical factors affecting propellant ignition is being conducted with the ultimate objective of producing information useful in the design and development of ignition systems for solid- propellant rockets. This investigation has largely been concerned with a study of the materials used to ignite rocket motors, that is, black powder and metal- oxidant formulations. This paper presents the results of calculations made on five metal fuels with conventional oxidizers to determine, under adiabatic conditions, what maximum flame temperatures could be reached and what the physical states of the products might be. Results of experimental characterization studies covered in this paper include determinations of heats of explosion, gas volumes produced, and the effectiveness of various igniter compositions in igniting a propellant specimen in a laboratory ignitibility test. In addition, unusual ignitibility effectiveness of fuel-rich magnesium- potassium nitrate mixtures is discussed in terms of a secondary ignition effect of igniter combustion products, and the results of a limited investigation of factors affecting the combustion rate of elemental boron are given.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1956
- Accession Number
- AD0523808
Entities
People
- Samuel Zeman