Kinetic Deuterium Isotope Effects in the Combustion of Nitramine Propellants
Abstract
The deuterium isotope effect was used to investigate the rate limiting process in the combustion of nitramine propellants. Model propellant formulations containing either octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), or their deuteriated analogues were pressed into pellets and burned under nitrogen pressure in a window bomb. The magnitudes of the observed deuterium isotope effects indicate that the HMX and RDX exert significant control over the burning process of the studied propellants. Furthermore, assuming a consistent mechanism between decomposition and combustion, the observed isotope effects suggest that a carbon-hydrogen bond rupture in HMX and RDX is the rate controlling process in the combustion of the model nitramine propellants. HMX, RDX, Combustion, Isotope effects, Mechanism, Rate limiting reactions, Propellants, Nitramines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199760
Entities
People
- Paul C. Trulove