Rapid Non-Destructive X-Ray Characterization of Solid Fuels/Propellants

Abstract

AbstractNumerous studies have been conducted into the microstructural origin of the instability and unpredictability of various energetic materials. Some of these materials are RDX/HMX, Ammonium Perchlorate, Aluminum, etc. Many techniques both destructive and non-destructive have so far been utilized in an attempt to quatify the energetic properties of their composites. These composites may contain one or more energetic constituents in an elastomeric binder. Non-destructive X-ray characterization techniques have been successfully employed to measure several microstructural parameters. Previous studies have shown considerable differences among various production grade RDX. These studies reveal marked differences in the amounts of residual elastic strain and the distribution of dislocations (residual plastic strain) in the constituent RDX phase.The focus of this study is to develop a technique for quantitative constituent phase analysis of solid-propellant (fuel) composites using conventional diffractometry. The use of a Curved Position Sensitive Detector (CPSD) greatly enhances the technique and allows real time applications in production environments. Through the use of computer based Systems and "user friendly" software the required Operator, skill and training have been considerably reduced. The CPSD System has been successfully used to quantify constituent phases (peak heights) and the amounts of residual elastic strain (peak shifts) in these molecular crystal powder mixtures.It is envisioned that rapid, automated, non-destructive X-ray characterization techniques will greatly facilitate production based propellant quality control. A thorough understanding of the relationship between the energetics and microstructural parameters can also he obtained.