Discussion and Explanation of Unplanned Ignition Incident: Ignition Caused by Rapid Pressurization of a Propellant Containing Bubbles
Abstract
Propellants, even though they may have extremely safe handling characteristics in a vast majority of circumstances, still have to be utilized so that certain ranges of specific outside parameters are excluded during or prior to the intended detonation. The understanding and prevention of such exceptions to safe predictable use is the subject of intense interest to anyone responsible for utilization and transportation of these materials. The latest unplanned incident involving LP (liquid propellant) 1846 has been the subject of a Red Team study and report which is summarized in the Appendix. Outlined in the present report are the reasons why first consideration should be given to adiabatic compression of gas bubbles as the most likely source of the unplanned ignition due to rapid pressurization. Also included is a discussion of this topic from a thermodynamic viewpoint, as an explanation of the recent unplanned incident, and some of the extensive Army literature on this topic. Reference 1 describes results obtained with LP NOS 365; Reference 2, a review, deals with apparently unpublished data on HAN (hydroxylammonium nitrate)-based LP 1845, 1846, and OTTO II, as well as NOS 365. Reference 3, an earlier experimental report, gives an extensive theoretical discussion. Keywords: Liquid propellants, Adiabatic compression, Ullage. (aw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198419
Entities
People
- Julius Frankel
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center