Experimental investigation on detonation characteristics of boron-rich gelled propellant in static premixed combustible gases

Abstract

A detonation in multiphase air-kerosene-boron mixtures is studied experimentally and the initiation and propagation characteristics of multiphase pulse detonation are emphasized. The boron-rich kerosene gelled propellants are taken as the fuel to analyze its detonation characteristics in static premixed combustible gases. The factors affecting detonation initiation including component, atomization, and ignition method of propellant are elucidated respectively. Considering atomization, evaporation and combustion, a small molecular organic compound is employed to fabricate metallized gelled propellants enriched with substantial boron particles. The dynamic atomization of gelled propellant with varying boron content is imaged by means of visual observation devices, and the ejecting parameters are optimized properly from actual initiation conditions. A flame jet by hot turbulent jet is applied to amplify the ignition energy of deflagration to detonation transition in boron-rich gelled propellant, which has not been seen ever. Results show that the ignition energy is positively correlated with initial pressure formed by combustible gas products. The multiphase detonation wave of boron-rich gelled propellant is successfully induced by premixed H2/O2 mixtures, and its detonation propagation characteristic is closely associated with the increase of initial pressure of premixed gas and mass mixing ratio of working medium. The pressure peak and propagation velocity of detonation wave show a considerable improvement with increasing initial pressure of premixed combustible gas and mass mixing ratio, and the highest values can reach up to 8.65 MPa and 2750 m/s respectively.