The Infrared Signature of Pyrophorics
Abstract
The infrared emission characteristics of six pyrophoric mixtures have been investigated at simulated altitudes up to 60,000 feet and the data compared to kerosene burned under the same conditions. The experiments were performed in large vacuum chambers with the mass flow rate being varied from 1 to 5 grams per second. Pyrophoric mixtures were atomized in a mixing nozzle by nitrogen and released as unchoked exhaust plumes. One series of tests demonstrated that the mixtures: (1) spontaneously ignited at all simulated altitudes, (2) emitted solely in the CO2 (4.2 to 4.4 microns) and the H2O (2.5 to 3.3 microns) bands, (3) resulted in radiation figures of merit above 200 watts/steradian/gram/second and (4) had an ignition time between 5 and 20 milliseconds. A second series of tests were performed with a co-flowing airstream created by releasing air into the vacuum chamber through a choke. These tests demonstrated the significant effect of airflow on the radiant intensity of unchoked exhaust plumes. A chemical equilibrium computer program was used to gain insight into other parameters affecting infrared radiation. Plume temperatures and the distribution of significant exhaust species were computed as a function of mixture ratio.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0921319
Entities
People
- C. W. Martin
- Davut B. Ebeoglu