Species Measurements from High-pressure Decomposition
Abstract
The condensed-phase decomposition behaviors must be elucidated in order to formulate comprehensive ignition and combustion models, as well as to understand the complex burning behavior of energetic materials at high pressures. These models must be able to predict the burning behaviors over a wide range of operating pressures and initial temperatures. In this proposal, the authors request funds for the purchase of a high-pressure thermogravimetric analyzer (HP-TGA). In the HP-TGA, the milligram sample mass is continuously weighed during a programmed heating interval, usually a linear rise in the temperature which can vary from about 1K/min to 50K/min. A portion of the evolved gases are directed to a small-diameter valve, across which the pressure is reduced and then sent to a mass spectrometer for detection and quantification of the species that evolved from the decomposition. This HP-TGA will complement results obtained from a high-pressure differential scanning calorimeter, which monitors the heat release during the programmed linear heating rate. However, the instantaneous sample mass is not weighed, but instead small thermocouples detect endothermic or exothermic events which are quantified via calibration. In this proposal, funds for the purchase of model HP-TGA-75 from TA Instruments are requested. The HP-TGA can operate up to 80 bar of applied pressure. This piece of equipment will be used in several different DoD projects, including projects sponsored by the Army Research Office. In the first ARO-sponsored project, the objective is to develop and validate chemical reaction mechanisms for subsequent use in ignition and combustion models of energetic materials, mixed with an energetic burn-rate modifiers. In the second ARO-sponsored project, the objective is to perform burn rate measurements of both liquid and solid propellants at ultra-high pressures. It is expected that the HP-TGA will provide valuable information for both model development and interpretation of complex burning behaviors of energetic materials at high pressures. This proposal requests a start date of February 1, 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110016
Entities
People
- Stefan Thynell
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Army