Imaging Diagnostics for Analysis of Energetic Material Reactions
Abstract
The Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) is designed to improve the capabilities of U.S. Universities to conduct research and to educate scientists and engineers in selected technical areas of importance to national defense. DURIP funding provides for the acquisition of research equipment and instrumentation for this purpose. This proposal is for the purchase of equipment for imaging diagnostics for analysis of energetic materials. The P.I., Professor Michelle Pantoya, of the Texas Tech University will use the equipment to augment and enhance research capabilities in the area of energetic materials perfonnance and characterization. A compelling advancement in our understanding of aluminum combustion is the discovery of exothermic surface chemistry that promotes energy transfer. Aluminum particles are comprised of an alumina passivation shell 3-5 nm thick surrounding an aluminum core, keeping the pyrophoric aluminum passivated from spontaneous ignition with oxygen from air. The shell-core structure makes combustion more complex by introducing novel reaction mechanisms, new surface properties, and unique thermal-physical dynamics that influence reactivity, regardless of particle size. Our latest scientific ndvnncemcnts focus on enhancing aluminum combustion by using the alumina shell as a catalyst to promote pre-ignition exothermic reactions that facilitate combustion. Some of the differences in reactivity are also a function of the ignition mechanism. For example, high velocity impact imparts mechanical energy into the powder whereas laser or hot wires use thermal energy. Both stimuli affect catalysis on the shell differently and are manifested as differences in reactivity. Characterizing reactivity requires resolution of energy transfer at time scales on the order of micro seconds, with flame speeds often exceeding 1000 m/s. Yet most high speed video cameras cannot resolve high resolution images at this frame rate. For this reason, it is critically important to incorporate a user-friendly and accurate diagnostic technique to evaluate energy propagation and reaction events with both high temporal and spatial resolution. The proposed equipment will allow analysis of energetic material reactions that can be measured using an integrated high speed imaging system. This camera can also be easily coupled with existing ignition sources to characterize and quantify performance parameters associated with combustion of energetic materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610181
Entities
People
- Michelle L. Pantoya
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Texas Tech University
- United States Army