A Study of the Gas Phase Chemistry of Solid Propellants Using a Microprobe Mass Spectrometer (MPMS) System: Preliminary Results for Solid Fuels (HTPB/Zecorez and BAMO/NMMO) Single-Base Propellant (M10) and an RDX-Based Propellant (BLX-9).
Abstract
Detailed knowledge of the gas-phase reactions which occur during propellant ignition and combustion are required to understand and model these processes. If detailed models were available, modification of propellant formulations for improved combustion behavior could be achieved with much less trial-and-error testing. Furthermore, detailed models could be used to generate simplified kinetics schemes for use in propellant models. The present research program, centers around the development and application of a microprobe, mass spectrometer (MPMS) system to study the gas phase chemistry of solid propellant ingredients and solid propellants during heating by a CO2 laser and during steady combustion. The MPMS system uses quartz microprobes with orifice sizes of 100 microns or less to withdraw gases from the region above the sample material. Through a two stage pumping system, the sample is delivered to a quadrupole mass spectrometer for analysis. Sampling is continuous throughout the combustion event so that species profiles of stable intermediates above the sample are obtained during the experiments. In addition to the MPMS system, existing experimental methods to be used in the work include high speed direct photography, high speed schlieren photography, microthermocouple probes and photodiodes (for first visible light).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA234840
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Litzinger
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University