Heterogeneous Ignition Theory
Abstract
Mathematical solutions are obtained for a model of solid propellant ignition by the combined action of external flux and surface reaction between a solid fuel and gaseous oxidizer with hypergolic ignition as the limiting case. Several commonly used definitions of ignition are examined and compared in the light of the surface temperature history. Conditions are established under which the definition of ignition can be expected to influence ignition time; major differences appear at high heating rates between the ignition times based on constant ignition temperature and on other criteria. The effect of oxidizer concentration of ignition time is investigated; at low pressures, the manner of variation of concentration is unimportant, while at high pressures, variations of mass fraction and pressure have different effects. Finally, it was found that chemical kinetics is the principal factor in determining ignition time, while mass diffusion rate imposes a limit on the attainment of ignition without significantly affecting ignition time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0865137
Entities
People
- H. H. Bradley Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake