Performance Characteristics of Magnesium-Sodium Nitrate Flares in Oxygen-Nitrogen Atmospheres
Abstract
The burning rates and light outputs produced by miniature flares containing magnesium and sodium nitrate have been studied as a function of metal-oxidant ratio and oxygen content of the atmosphere. Also studied were the effects of loading pressure and the use of an organic binder upon the combustion process. In these studies, various atmospheres containing nitrogen and oxygen were used. It was found that the burning rates of the flares were unaffected by the oxygen content of the atmosphere, indicating that radiation feedback from the flame has only a minor influence on the burning rate. It was also found that increasing the loading pressure caused only minor changes in the burning rates of the system indicating that the burning process is not greatly influenced by the reduced gaseous permeability caused by increased loading pressure. However, the burning rate appears to be controlled by exothermic processes occuring at or very near to the burning surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185274
Entities
People
- Francis R. Taylor
- Patricia L. Farnell
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center