Role of Bimodal RDX in LOVA Gun Propellant Combustion

  • M. M. Joshi High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • C. R. Dayanandan High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • A.G.S. Pillai High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • B. R. Gandhe High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • J. S. Karir High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.48.3954
Keywords: Low vulnerability ammunitions

Abstract

Present investigation reports the results of systematic studies on the use of bimodal RDX in low-vulnerability ammunition (LOVA) gun propellants. Several formulations based on bimodal RDX as oxidiser, cellulose acetate as binder, and diocty1 phthalate or triacetin as plasticizer were processed with different proportions of 5 micrometer and 20 micrometer particle size of RDX samples in the range 100:0 to 60:40 ratios. The effect of varying the proportion of fine RDX of the two particle sizes on propellant burning behaviour was found to be quite significant. The study concluded that by using bimodal RDX, it is possible to modify burning behaviour without sacrificing low-vulnerability aspects of LOVA propellants.

Author Biographies

M. M. Joshi, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr MM Joshi obtained his MSc (Organic Chemistry) from the University of Poona in 1976. He joined DRDO at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, in 1978 and since then, he has been working in the field of solid gun propellants. Currently, he is engaged in the development of low-vulnerability ammunition (LOVA) propellants.
C. R. Dayanandan, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr CR Dayanandan obtained his MSc (Organic Chemistry) from the University of Poona. He joined DRDO at HEMRL in 1967. Since 1971, he has been working in the field of solid gun propellants. Currently, he is engaged in the development of solid gun propellants for LOVA
applications.
A.G.S. Pillai, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr AGS Pillai, Scientist, has been working in the field of solid gun propellants processing and evaluation at HEMRL, for more than 27 years. Currently, he is engaged in the development of nitramine-based solid gun propellants for LOVA applications.
B. R. Gandhe, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Dr BR Gandhe obtained his PhD (Chemistry) from University of Poona in 1974. He joined DRDO in 1975. Since then, he has been working on various R&D projects of Defence interest, such as detection techniques for hazardous chemicals, polymer degradation, LOVA, high energy fuel for torpedoes, etc. He has published more than 25 papers in national/international journals. At present, he is working as Scientist F and heading the Quality Assurance & Reliability Division at HEMRL,Pune.
J. S. Karir, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr JS Karir obtained his BE (Chemical Engg) from University of Delhi in 1964. He is Scientist at HEMRL, Pune. Since 1918, he has been working as Head, Gun Propellant Division. He is an associate member of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, Calcutta.
Published
2013-01-01
How to Cite
Joshi, M., Dayanandan, C., Pillai, A., Gandhe, B., & Karir, J. (2013). Role of Bimodal RDX in LOVA Gun Propellant Combustion. Defence Science Journal, 48(3), 317-321. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.48.3954
Issue
Vol 48 No 3
Section
Armaments & Explosives
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