Abstract
Investigation using Real-Time X-ray Radioscopy (RTR) of the combustion processes occurring in two different configurations of pyrotechnic items, currently used in ordnance in service with the Polish Armed Forces, are presented. In the first configuration, employed in the delay elements of the RGM type of impact artillery fuses, the end-burning delay pyrotechnic column in its narrower part ended with cavity, is situated in front of the inlet of the axial channel of the output tubular pyrotechnic augmenting charge. In the second configuration, utilized in tracers of anti-tank guided missiles, the end-burning pyrotechnic charge with an ignition cavity is inserted into the steel body and closed hermetically at both ends by plastic discs. In each configuration, ignition of the tested item was initiated by an electric fusehead system. The RTR sequence of images (30 fps) of the combustion of the tested items showed that the burning surface of their pyrotechnic charges were distinguished as a boundary between the unburnt part of the pyrotechnic charge and its distinctly less dense combustion products. For selected time points in the combustion process, the shape and position of such boundaries were captured. From these data, it was possible to discover more about the combustion phenomena occurring in these tested items, including the evolution and movement of the burning surface. The combustion processes of the tested pyrotechnic delay elements and tracers, were occurring in accordance with the intended (expected) scenarios, i.e. all of the pyrotechnic charges were successively and totally consumed, and during their combustion there were no premature effects resulting in a shortening of their burning time.
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