Development and Optimization of Flow-Cast Magnesium Flare Compositions
Abstract
Previous work gave encouraging results for flow-cast illumination flares. The present development effort has resulted in compositions comparable in performance with pressed mixtures. Viton (Registered trademark)-lined paper phenolic cases have proved satisfactory in 3.4-inch-diameter size. The agglomeration of sodium nitrate can be reduced by the addition of MgO and Cab-O-sil. However, the oxidizer also should be used immediately after grinding to avoid agglomeration. Surfactants can be used to improve mix viscosity. The particle size distribution of magnesium used is critical to mix viscosity and luminous efficiency. With 20 percent binder in the mix, maximum performance is obtained at about 52 percent Mg for 1.25-inch candles and 50 percent Mg for 3.4-inch candles. The best efforts formulation contains 50 percent of a 40/200 mesh Mg blend, 30 percent NaNO3, and 20 percent of XFS-4008L - Ethylene carbonate- maleic anhydride - diethylene glycol nitrate(DEGDN) binder. In 3.4-inch candles it yields 43 to 45,000 cd-sec/g efficiency at 0.056-0.059 in./sec burning rate. This mix has been scaled up to 10-kg batch size. Further work has also been accomplished on new binders. The most promising is based on a vinyl ester, Tex-R-1939, plasticized with DEGDN.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- ADB001800
Entities
People
- Erwin M. Jankowiak
- George A. Lane
- Keith Roberson