HMX Combustion Modification
Abstract
Studies were conducted during this 3-year program to better understand the HMX decomposition mechanism by focusing upon the later stages of the multistep, complex decomposition process utilizing both isotopically labeled (N to the 15th power) and unlabeled HMX under low (approximately 300 C) and high (approximately 800 C) temperatures and at high heating rates. A novel experimental technique was developed, which utilized mass spectrometry and gas chromatography to identify quantitatively the amounts of gaseous species generated on pyrolysis of the substrates. This permitted detection of any chemical and/or thermal interactions between various energetic materials and an understanding of those interactions that contributed or deterred the burn rate of HMX or RDX. Compounds that yielded NH3, were oxygen free, and decomposed exothermically, had a significant effect upon the decomposition of HMX via an exothermic gas-phase reduction of NO (a decomposition product of HMX). This effect was caused by the formation of amidogen (NH2) radicals from the generated NH3. Pyrolysis studies performed on various azide compounds showed that the azide moiety increased the burn rate of HMX. Close matching of the decomposition temperatures of HMX and the additive was required to enhance the chemical and/or thermal interactions between the gaseous decomposition products. Attempts to incorporate the azide group into the HMX structure were successful. Its incorporation in propellants containing HMX did not result in an enhanced burn rate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA145071
Entities
People
- D. O. Woolery
- J. E. Flanagan
- M. B. Frankel