Descriptive Characterization of Propellant Particles.
Abstract
Particle characterization is used for burn rate and rheology predictions for solid rocket propellants. This report compares the burn rate of solid rocket propellants to various measurement techniques to determine the best routine characterization parameter for burn rate predictions. These measurement techniques include surface area measurements, diameter measurements from ensemble light scattering, light blocking, sieving techniques, and a new particle solvolysis technique. The diameter techniques also provided data for surface area calculations. Propellants containing HMX, AP, and AN were burned in a window bomb at pressures ranging from 500 psig to 2000 psig. The results indicate a volume dependent process for HMX burning, a surface area dependent process for AN, and a surface area dependent process affected by the particle distribution for AP. For burn rate prediction, routine measurements of weight median diameters are recommended for HMX, surface area measurements or ensemble light scattering weight median diameters are recommended for AP, and surface area measurements are recommended for AN. Keywords: Particle characterization, Burn rate predictions, Measurement techniques, HMX, AP, AN, Solid rocket propellants, Window bomb.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA195176
Entities
People
- Kurt G. Chandler