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

  • A. G. Dugam High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • Abdul Muttalib High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • H. J. Gandhi High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • P. A. Phawade High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • A. John High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • R. R. Khare High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Keywords: Ignition temperature, Pyrotechnic composition, Ignition, Pyrotechnices

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

A. G. Dugam, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr AG Dugam obtained his MSc from Poona University in 1994. He joined DRDO in 1973at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, in 1973. Presently, he isworking as Technical Officer B. His areas of research include development of pyrotechnic-basedignition systems for solid rocket propellants.
Abdul Muttalib, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr A Muttalib obtained his MSc in Organic Chemistry from University of Allahabad. He joinedDRDO at HEMRL, Pune, in 1985. His,areas of research includes development of ignition system for solid rocket propellants.
H. J. Gandhi, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

Mr HJ Gandhi obtained his M Sc From University of Poona in 1971. He joined DRDO at HEMRL Pune, the same year. Presently, he is working as Scientist C. His areas of interest include solid propellant and its ignition system.

P. A. Phawade, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr PA Phawade obtained his MSc in Organic Chemistry from University of Poona . He joined DRDO at HEMRL, Pune, in 1968. His areas of research include development of propellant andigniter systems for missiles.
A. John, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mrs A John obtained her BSc in Chemistry from Kerala university in 1963. She joined DRDO at HEMRL, Pune, in 1963. Presently, she is working as Scientist D. Her area of research includes pyrotechnic and ignition system for solid rocket propellents.
R. R. Khare, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr RR Khare obtained his MSc (Physical Chemistry) from Nagpur University ih 1959. He joined DRDO in 1962. He has been working at HEMRL, Pune, since 1964. He headed the Quality Assurance& Reliability Group when integrated guided missile development (IGMD) programme was launched.He introduced the studies on service ability of life-expired missiles. He received citation for thedevelopment of power plant for target missile and Import Substitution Award for the developmentof propellant. His areas of research include development, manufacture and testing of double-base propellants and power plants.

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Published
2013-01-01
How to Cite
Dugam, A., Muttalib, A., Gandhi, H., Phawade, P., John, A., & Khare, R. (2013). Effect of Fuel Content and Particle Size Distribution of Oxidiser on Ignition of Metal-Based Pyrotechnic Compositions. Defence Science Journal, 49(3), 263-268. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.49.3838
Section
Armaments & Explosives

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