Evaluation of Processing Parameters for Densification of Composite Propellants

Ana Carolina Marotti,Jakler Nichele,Jonas Farias Santos,Maurício Ferrapontoff Lemos,Letivan Gonçalves De Mendonça Filho

doi:10.5028/jatm.etmq.72

Ana Carolina Marotti, Jakler Nichele + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5028/jatm.etmq.72

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Abstract

The present work investigated the effects of varying two parameters of a pilot-scale composite propellant plant: the mechanical vibration and the vacuum level. The application of mechanical vibration to the casted mold after the end of mixing has improved the propellant density. On the other hand, the change of the vacuum level had no significant effect. Static firing tests showed an increase in the gas generation rate with the increase of the number of voids.

Highlights

Propellants are mixtures of substances that react in a deflagration regime when correctly initiated by external stimulus, generating gases at high temperatures and pressures, which can be used for the development of ballistic work of rockets and projectiles
Among the different types of propellants, the composites, are solid propellants whose oxidizer is generally an inorganic oxygenated and particulate salt, which is dispersed in a combustible plastic matrix, forming a uniform mass with rigid and rubbery aspect (Valença et al 2013)
Among the characteristics required for solid propellants, high density is fundamental, since it directly affects the burning speed (Meyer et al 2007), as well as the homogeneity of the final product, since the irregularity of the distribution of possible internal defects changes the instantaneous burning surfaces and the flame propagation pattern (Valença et al 2013)

Summary

Introduction

Propellants are mixtures of substances that react in a deflagration regime when correctly initiated by external stimulus, generating gases at high temperatures and pressures, which can be used for the development of ballistic work of rockets and projectiles. Among the different types of propellants, the composites, are solid propellants whose oxidizer is generally an inorganic oxygenated and particulate salt, which is dispersed in a combustible plastic matrix, forming a uniform mass with rigid and rubbery aspect (Valença et al 2013). Among the characteristics required for solid propellants, high density is fundamental, since it directly affects the burning speed (Meyer et al 2007), as well as the homogeneity of the final product, since the irregularity of the distribution of possible internal defects changes the instantaneous burning surfaces and the flame propagation pattern (Valença et al 2013). Drying processes are applied in the preparation of raw materials, such as aluminum, and hydrophilic substances, such as liquid

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