Effect of Burning Rate Modifiers on Subatmospheric Flame Temperatures of AP/HTPB Composite Solid Propellants

S. Krishnan; R. D. Swami

doi:10.14429/dsj.48.3901

S. Krishnan Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai
R. D. Swami Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.48.3901

Keywords: Gas phase flame, Composite solid, Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene, Ammonium perchlorate, Flame temperatures

Abstract

Using 30 um. pt and Pt 13 percent Rh thermocouples, flame temperatures of uncatalysed andcatalysed ammonium perchlorate/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (AP/lffPB) composite solidpropellants were measured under subatmospheric conditions. Ferric oxide F e 2 and copper chromite(CC) were the catalysts used. The study demonstrates that Fe2O3 catalysed propellant, notwithstandingits least combustion efficiency undt;r subatmospheric conditions and weak gas-phase flame, has themaximum burning rate enhancement. This is argued to be due to the increased surface and subsurfacereactions caused by Fe2O3. CC-catalysed propellant burns to the least subatmospheric pressure withminimum loss in combustion efficiency indicating that this class of propellant may be more suitablefor base-bleed applications.

Author Biographies

S. Krishnan, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Prof S Krishnan has more than three decades of research experience in the area of Aerospace Propulsion. His specific research areas of interest are solid propellant burning,hybrid rocket combustion and solid fuel ramjets. He has guided many PhD and MS students.

R. D. Swami, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Dr RD Swami did his ME in Space Engineering and Rocketry. Recently, he has completed his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. His areasof research are solid propellant combustion and solid propulsion technology.

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Effect of Burning Rate Modifiers on Subatmospheric Flame Temperatures of AP/HTPB Composite Solid Propellants

Abstract

Author Biographies

References

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