Microwave Dielectric Properties of XM46 and a Surrogate Liquid Propellant
Abstract
The microwave dielectric properties of liquid propellant (LP) XM46 were determined at room temperature from 2 to 20 GHz using a dielectric probe technique. The dielectric constant (permittivity) of LP was determined in support of possible studies of the feasibility of using microwave energy to preheat LP for more consistent electric ignition in regenerative liquid propellant guns (RLPG). The dielectric properties would also be important in future investigations of the possible development of a safer and more environmentally friendly (over current energetic material-based primers) microwave energy-based LP ignition technique for conventional solid propellants. A surrogate liquid with similar dielectric properties was also developed using water, denatured alcohol, and potassium nitrite (KNO2, which is not caustic or reactive (like LP) and can be more safely employed in feasibility studies of the use of microwaves in preheating or ignition of LP. This report details the dielectric probe technique for measuring the dielectric constants of liquids such as XM46 LP and the development of the surrogate liquid with matching dielectric properties for use in microwave heating/ignition research and development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA357557
Entities
People
- Robert B. Bossoli
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory