A Chamber Investigation of the IR and Visible Wavelength Obscuration Properties of Pyrotechnically Generated Smokes,

Abstract

The overall objective of the program is the development of an effective screening agent to both visible and IR wavelengths utilizing pyrotechnically-generated hygroscopic aerosol. In pursuit of an effective IR wavelength screen and an increased understanding of the particle formation mechanisms and resultant size distribution, the primary objective of this year's effort was to evaluate the influence of an energetic binder (GAP) on the performance of two pyrotechnics, one which produced a KCL aerosol, the other a mixed aerosol, the other a mixed aerosol of MgCl2 and carbon. Comparison tests were run, in Calspan's 600 cu m test chamber, in which the performance of the energetic vs. non-energetic pyrotechnics was compared in terms of mass yield, payload mass extinction coefficient, aerosol decay rate and size distribution. A secondary objective of limited scope was to investigate the potential of using IR absorbing surface active agents to coat the smoke aerosol so as to enhance the smoke's IR wavelength absorption as well as inhibit subsequent aerosol evaporation upon exposure to decreasing humidity.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA161753

Entities

People

  • E. J. Mack
  • J. T. Hanley

Organizations

  • Calspan

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Composition
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Programs
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electron Microscopes
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Growth Factors
  • High Humidity
  • Humidity
  • Instrumentation
  • Low Humidity
  • Particle Size
  • Payload
  • Pyrotechnics
  • Scattering
  • Smoke Munitions
  • Smoke Screens

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Rocket Propulsion.