'Clean Burning' Low Flame Temperature Solid Gun Propellants.
Abstract
In an attempt to eliminate nitrogen oxides (NOx's) from the combustion and pyrolysis products of solid propellants, an investigation into the use of 'De-NOx' agents was performed. The agents selected were all compounds that thermally decompose to generate amines; participation of amines in the thermal De-NOx process results in the reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen. Of all the compounds screened, it was found that urea was the best suited for use as a De-N0x agent in solid gun propellants. Use of - resulted in a significant decrease in NOx production. Furthermore, urea is thermally stable up to a temperature of 130 deg C, and is compatible with nitrocellulose-based formulations. Compared to neat JA2 (a double-base propellant), a JA2/urea formulation containing 10 weight-percent urea generates 60% less NOx. Calculations indicate that the incorporation of 4% urea results in a 200 K decrease in flame temperature, and a decrease in impetus and velocity of approximately 4% and 2%, respectively.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307269
Entities
People
- Joseph M. Heimerl
- Robert A. Fifer
- Rose A. Pesce-rodriguez
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory