Erosive Burning and its Applications for Performance Prediction

A modified method for prediction of performance of large motors based on erosion constant obtained by partial burning technique is discussed. Erosion constants for two different double base compositions have been determined by partial burning technique. These constraints have been used to predict the performance of the large scale motors developed for Defence applications. The predicted performance compares well with the experimental values

Combustion Behaviour of Advanced Solid Propellants.

The study reports the effect of incorporation of Al and ammonium perchlorate (AP) individually and in combination with each other on combustion pattern and specific impulse (Isp) of minimum signature propellants. Incorporation of Al obviates the combustion instability problems; however, it has marginal effect on burning rates. The composition containing AP and zirconium silicate combination gives superior performance; however, its Isp is considerably lower than the composition incorporating 9 per cent AP. A combination of 6 per cent Al gave 20 per cent enhancement in burning rate and 12 s increase in Isp as compared to purely nitramine-based composition, cal-val results also reveal increase in energy output on incorporating AP and Al. Hot stage microscopic and propellant combustion studies indicate occurrence of intense decomposition reaction in case of AP-based compositions

Effect of Fuel Content and Particle Size Distribution of Oxidiser on Ignition of Metal-Based Pyrotechnic Compositions

Influence of boron content in boron-based pyrotechnic composition and particle size distribution of oxidiser, i.e., KNO3 in boron-based pyrotechnic composition is examined by subjecting these to various tests. Study on boron-based pyrotechnic compositions reveals that compositions with 20, 25 and 30 parts by weight of boron are promising igniter compositions wrt their calorimetric values, pressure maximum, ignition delay, etc. However, from sensitivity point of view, the composition with 30 parts of boron is more safe to handle, manufacture and use. From the study of particle size distribution of KNO3 in Mg- based pyrotechnic compositions, it is observed that the composition with wider particle size distribution of oxidiser gives better packing density for their binary miJQ with metal fuel, which in turn gives lower ignition delay and ignition temperature