Absorption Spectra of High-Temperature Solid Propellant Flames
Abstract
A new, high-temperature, infrared radiation source was used in conjunction with a rapid-scanning spectrometer to obtain absorption spectra at an 800 percent rate from composite solid propellant flames during both constant and varying pressure. The propellants studied were AP-HTPB composites. The 3.17 micron H2O, 4.26 micron CO2, and 4.72 micron CO absorption bands were calibrated so that the time-dependent variations in the gas phase concentration of these combustion products could be measured. High-frequency oscillations (200-300Hz) were present even in constant pressure tests and are believed to be associated with inhomogenieties along the optical path length in the flame. During forced oscillation pressure tests at frequencies of 20 to 100 Hz., the composition and temperature of the propellant flame oscillated in phase with the pressure. A study of the variation in the absorption spectra for the major combustion products indicates that prior interpretations of flame emission data during transient pressure conditions were incorrect; however, a principal conclusion of this earlier study was confirmed. Significant gas phase composition variations are produced by pressure changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA001819
Entities
People
- Alva D. Baer
- Norman W. Ryan
- Richard M. Gross
Organizations
- University of Utah