Substitution of Aluminum for Magnesium as a Fuel in Flares
Abstract
A very broad investigation has been conducted on the utilization of powdered aluminum as a substitute fuel for atomized magnesium in pyrotechnic illuminant compositions developed primarily for the M4A1 trip flare. Studies were conducted on the combustion and propagative characteristics of powdered aluminum/sodium nitrate mixtures. These studies included the effects of particle size, fuel-oxidant ratio, binder concentration, additives, fuel coating, flare case materials, flare case coatings and moisture. Thermal analytical studies of aluminum/sodium nitrate systems provided conclusive evidence of a low temperature exotherm (70 C-135 C) which produces self-heating of the compositions in the presence of moisture. A formulation utilizing powdered aluminum as a substitute fuel for atomized magnesium has been developed for use in the Army M49A1 trip flare. The burning characteristics of the composition containing 35% six micron powdered aluminum, 53% sodium nitrate 7% seven micron tungsten powder and 5% Laminac 4116 polyester are adequate to meet the requirements of the M49A1 trip flare. By careful exclusion of moisture during processing, this composition demonstrated long term storage stability at elevated, ambient and low temperatures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA013360
Entities
People
- B. Jackson Jr.
- F. R. Taylor
- R. Motto
- S. Kaye
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal