A Study of Gas Phase Chemistry of Solid Propellants Using a Microprobe Mass Spectrometer System. Results for RDX, BLX-9, XM-39, M9 and JA-2
Abstract
This research program is designed to address the critical need for data on the gas-phase chemistry of solid propellants through the development and application of a microprobe mass spectrometer (MPMS) system. The MPMS system is being used to study the gas-phase chemistry occurring above solid propellant ingredients and actual solid propellants when they are heated and/or ignited by the heat flux from a CO2 laser. In addition to the MPMS system, direct and Schlieren photography are being used to study the flame structure and twenty- five micron thermocouples are being used to measure the gas-phase temperature profile. During the last year nearly fifty tests were performed with neat RDX as well as with composite, XM-39 and BLX-9, and double-base propellants, M-9 and JA-2. Measurements of gas-phase species and temperature profiles for neat RDX and tow RDX composite propellants show that while the chemical species detected are similar, the gas-phase structure for these propellants is significantly different. For incident laser energy fluxes above 100 W/sq cm, all three propellants exhibited a primary flame caused by the reaction of CH2O and NO2. The mole fraction of CH2O at or near the sample surface was approximately 0.20 for RDX and XM39 but was about 0.33 for BLX9 due to the addition of CH2O from the decomposition of the BTTN energetic plasticizer. The primary flame products consisted of significant amounts of NO for all three propellants and CO for the composites along with smaller amounts of H2O for RDX and BLX9, CO2 for RDX and XM39, and h2 for RDX.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245907
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Litzinger
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University