Microwave plasma enhancement of multiphase flames: On-demand control of solid propellant burning rate

Abstract

This effort explores the microwave-supported plasma enhancement of an aluminized, ammonium perchlorate composite solid propellant flame. The technique is enabled through novel alkali metal doping, which provides increased levels of ionization and allows efficient microwave energy deposition to the flame structure and subsequent perturbation of the steady-state propellant burning rate. Three potential modes of energy deposition are identified in composite propellants: (1) plasma-enhancement promoted by the presence of sodium, (2) strong absorption by high temperature metallic oxide products, and (3) direct absorption of energy by the propellant burning surface condensed phase. Equilibrium calculations are used to identify propellant compositions with high free-electron populations, and solution of the Boltzmann equation using the BOLSIG + code is used to show the significant effects of sodium doping on microwave absorption of the flame. Experimental emission spectroscopy and imaging of the microwave-enhanced propellant flame structure show evidence of these mechanisms. Propellant burning rates can be increased by up to 60% through the application of 1 kW, continuous 2.46 GHz microwave radiation. Propellant doping with 3.5% by weight of sodium nitrate shows significant improvement in the effectiveness of microwave application in modifying the propellant burning rate. This technique provides high levels of dynamic propellant combustion control from a solid-state system. The on-demand control of energetic material burning rates through low level doping and microwave irradiation is a promising technique which could lead to the development of a new class of ‘smart’ dynamically controllable energetic materials.