GASEOUS ILLUMINANT PYROTECHNIC SYSTEMS,
Abstract
Candlepower efficiencies obtainable with conventional pyrotechnic systems such as magnesium-sodium nitrate have essentially reached a maximum. Thus an intensive study was initiated to determine if gaseous systems could develop luminous efficiencies exceeding those of standard solid systems. The following conclusions were drawn from the photometric and spectroscopic studies and the theoretical computer analyses of these systems: The best practical systems are the H2 + OF2 + BF3 and H2 + O2 + F2 + BF3 flames; The presence of oxygen as air, O2 or OF2 is essential for maximum light output; Computer analyses have shown that high temperatures are necessary for obtaining high efficiencies; The reaction mechanism in these systems essentially involves the hydrolysis of the boron fluorides to BOF and BO2H which are subsequently converted to the primary emitters BO2* and BO*; Burner design is also of utmost importance; and The light outputs of these gaseous systems are greatly increased by the use of reflectors as shown by the 12 fold increase for the H2 + OF2 + BF3 system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0713550
Entities
People
- Abraham D. Kirshenbaum
- Francis R. Taylor
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal