Study on Friction Sensitivity of Passive and Active Binder based Composite Solid Propellants and Correlation with Burning Rate

Ehtasimul Hoque; Chandra Shekhar Pant; Sushanta Das

doi:10.14429/dsj.70.14802

Ehtasimul Hoque Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, Nasik - 422 207
Chandra Shekhar Pant Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, Nasik - 422 207
Sushanta Das Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, Nasik - 422 207

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.70.14802

Keywords: Friction sensitivity, Composite propellant, Nitramines, STANAG–4487

Abstract

Friction sensitivity of composite propellants and their ingredients is of significant interest to mitigate the risk associated with the accidental initiation while processing, handling, and transportation. In this work, attempts were made to examine the friction sensitivity of passive binder: Hydroxy Terminated Polybutadiene/Aluminium/Ammonium Perchlorate and active binder: (Polymer + Nitrate Esters)/Ammonium Perchlorate/Aluminium/Nitramine based composite propellants by using BAM Friction Apparatus. As per the recommendation of NATO standard STANAG–4487, the friction sensitivity was assessed by two methods: Limiting Frictional load and Frictional load for 50% probability of initiation (F50). The test results showed that the active binder based formulations were more vulnerable to frictional load as compared to the formulations with passive binders. Examination of a comprehensive set of propellant compositions revealed that the particle size distribution of Ammonium Perchlorate and burn rate catalysts were the most influential factors in dictating the friction sensitivity for HTPB/Al/AP composite propellants. For active binder/AP/Al/Nitramine composite propellants, the formulation with RDX was found more friction sensitive with a sensitivity value of 44 N as compared to its HMX analog (61 N). The correlation studies of friction sensitivity, burning rate, and thermal decomposition characteristics of HTPB/Al/AP composite propellants is described.

Author Biographies

Ehtasimul Hoque, Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, Nasik - 422 207

Mr Ehtasimul Hoque has completed MSc (Chemistry) from IIT Bombay in 2016. His current areas of work include quality control and characterisation of high energetic materials.

Chandra Shekhar Pant, Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, Nasik - 422 207

Dr Chandra Shekhar Pant did his PhD in propellant chemistry from Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune. He is associated with the area of processing, testing and evaluation of high energy materials.

Sushanta Das, Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, Nasik - 422 207

Mr Sushanta Das is MTech (Chemical Engineering) from IIT Bombay. He is associated with research and production of high energy materials.

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