Mechanism of Modifying Ballistic Properties of Propellant Formulations by Fast-Burning Inclusions

Abstract

The combustion characteristics of binary compositions of fast-burning energetic materials (FBEM) with main composite propellant components like ammonium perchlorate (AP) and polymeric binders have been studied in a constant pressure bomb, and combustion mechanism has been proposed. Combustion behaviour of composite propellants containing granulated FBEM of different particle sizes has been investigated. FBEM additives as high as 40 per cent of fine particle size to a composite propellant have not been shown to influence markedly the burning rate, whereas incorporation of FBEM grains of 500 micrometer particle size allows not only a considerable increase in the burning rate but also modifies the burning rate-pressure dependence. A mechanism of combustion of propellant compositions containing FBEM grains has been evolved that allows criteria for FBEM performance and combustion stability.