Condensed Phase Details in the Time-Independent Combustion of AP/Composite Propellants

Abstract

The problem of nonmetallized AP/composite propellant combustion is studied with the aim of coherently interpreting apparently diverse experimental data. Three fundamental hypotheses are introduced: the extent of propellant degradation at the vaporization step has to be specified through a scientific criterion; condensed phase degradation of AP to vaporizable fragments is the overall rate-limiting reaction; the rate of combustion in the gas phase is controlled by diffusive-mixing processes. Theoretical predictions of the regression rates of AP are seen to match well with experimental observations (both hot-plate pyrolysis and single-crystal deflagration). Theoretical curves of regression rate are presented for a typical composite propellant. The gas phase processes are discussed qualitatively. It is seen through analyses that either of the two familiar models for the gas phase (flame sheet approximation and uniform combustion) describes the general behavior adequately, hence de-emphasizing the role of gas phase details in propellant combustion.

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