The deflagration of hydrazine diperchlorate

Abstract

Experimental studies encompassing the following aspects of the self-deflagration of the solid oxidizer hydrazine diperchlorate have been carried out: deflagration rate as a function of pressure and the effects of catalysts; flame demperature and temperature profile through the combustion wave; thermal decomposition and quenching of the deflagration. The results suggest that the deflagration process is defined by three pressure regimes; a low-pressure régime, below approximately 20 atm; a high-pressure régime, above approximately 100 atm; and a region of transition. A high pressures, ‘normal’ deflagration occurs, i.e. a flame is stablized above the oxidizer heat from the exothermic reaction zone is transmitted back to the condensed material causing gasification. Reactants enter the flame and thus continue the cycle. At pressures below 20 atm, the oxidizer is mainly consumed by a rapid, self-sustaining decomposition. Condensed phase chemical reactions are the primary mode of combustion and heat transfer from a stable flame makes a secondary contribution to the process.