Erratum: "Correlations between Deflagration Characteristics and Surface Properties of Nitramine-Based Propellants"

Abstract

The deflagration of RDX propellant has been investigated at pressures up to 5000 psi with various particle sizes of RDX and under the influence of burning-rate modifiers. The transition point for change in slope of the burning-rate curve is shifted to lower pressure by burning-rate retarders or by decreasing the particle size of the explosive. This effect is related to changes in the burning surface of the propellant. An increase in RDX particle size and/or burning-rate catalysts enhances the formation of surface depressions during burning. Burning-rate accelerators lower the decomposition temperature and the activation energy of the thermal decomposition of the propellant, whereas a burning retarder raises the decomposition temperature. It is concluded that for the burning rate of nitramine propellants the physical conditions at the burning surface and its decomposition characteristics are of importance.