Initiation of Chemical Reactions in Energetic Materials Using Plasmas and Arc Channels
Abstract
Development of arc channels in propellant beds will lead to initiation of chemical reactions and possible ignition. Same initiation can take place with high-energy density plasmas generated by electrothermal plasma sources. Arc channels can be simulated via arc generators from as low as few milli-joules to several joules of energy. For electrothermal plasmas, the energy is in the range of few kilo-joules. When using electrothermal plasmas, the performance of the propellant is more governed by radiation transport and the plasma-flow-field parameters. The temperature of the propellant's bed may also play a role in the burn rates under plasma injection. In this report, a set of experiments were first conducted on the plasma-flow-field to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of the plasma temperature, pressure, number density, and velocity. The experiments revealed a decreasing plasma pressure, plasma temperature and plasma number density as plasma is leaving the capillary source and expands in air. The plasma jet velocity 2 inches from the source exit was found to be about 1300 m/s. Following characterization of the plasma-flow-field, a set of experiments were conducted on JA-2 solid propellant with controlled bed temperature. Increased burn rates were observed with increased bed. A model for the burn rate is proposed, which includes the bed temperature and has the BR = A P(sup a) (T/T(sub ambient))(sup b).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA390715
Entities
People
- Mohamed A. Bourham
Organizations
- North Carolina State University