EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM ON IGNITION AND COMBUSTION OF BORON-LOADED GELLED JET A-1 FUEL

Abstract

Boron (B) is a desirable fuel for explosives and propellants due to its high-energy density. However, the combustion of B particles is difficult because its native oxide layers serve as inhibitors and cover the particles. This oxide layer makes the combustion process more difficult. However, using B as an additive in gelled fuel has significant potential use in ramjets. The present study used magnesium (Mg) with B-loaded gel-based fuel as a burning promotor. Different combustion parameters were evaluated for four different fuel compositions. The present investigation employed a droplet combustion setup and high-speed imaging technique to examine the impact of Mg on B particles in gel fuel. The influences of Mg addition on the droplet combustion flame, B ignition delay time, boron oxide (BO<sub>2</sub>) intensity, and post-combustion particles were studied. The addition of Mg significantly influenced B in reducing the ignition delay time, where the reduction was almost 70.58% at higher Mg loadings (GBMg30). The combustion of B-based samples resulted in the emission of BO<sub>2</sub>, which was characterized by a greenish appearance. The findings were corroborated by spectroscopic analysis. The analysis of the burning events was conducted utilizing a combination of color and high-speed camera techniques in conjunction with a 546 nm BO<sub>2</sub> filter. Post-combustion particles were analyzed with the help of scanning electron microscopy images and thermogravimetric analysis.