A Study of Gas Phase Chemistry of Solid Propellant Ingredients Using a CO2 Laser
Abstract
This research program was 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 was used to study the gas-phase chemical reactions 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 were used to study the flame structure and twenty-five micron thermocouples were used to measure the gas-phase temperature profile. During the course of this research program, the majority of tests were performed with ammonium dinitramide (ADN), RDX, and an RDX based solid propellant, XM-39. In addition, preliminary studies of two fuel binders, HTPB and BAMO/NMMO, were performed. This report summarizes the experimental apparatus and the major findings for the oxidizers, ADN and RDX, and the solid propellant, XM-39.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA259277
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Litzinger
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University