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Combustion Performance of Spherical Propellants Deterred by Energetic Composite Deterring Agents
Hao Liang1, Yajun Ding1, Shiying Li1
1School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
ACS Omega
|May 31, 2021
Summary
Energetic composite deterring agents (ECDAs) were developed to improve propellant performance. These agents significantly reduced muzzle flame and smoke, while enhancing bullet velocity and decreasing gun bore pressure.
Area of Science:
- Energetic Materials Science
- Combustion Chemistry
- Ballistics
Background:
- Propellant combustion often results in undesirable muzzle flame and smoke.
- Existing deterring agents may not offer optimal performance or safety benefits.
- Energetic composite deterring agents (ECDAs) offer a potential solution for improved propellant characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and prepare ECDAs for spherical propellants.
- To evaluate the combustion and interior ballistic performance of ECDA-deterred propellants.
- To assess the reduction of muzzle flame and smoke.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of ECDAs using triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) and poly(neopentyl glycol adipate) (PNA).
- Closed vessel tests to characterize combustion performance.
- Ballistic gun tests for interior ballistics.
- High-speed photography and smoke box analysis for flame and smoke visualization.
Main Results:
- ECDAs increased closed vessel pressure by 2.29 MPa compared to dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-deterred propellants.
- Optimal deterring conditions for ECDA were identified as 80 °C and 150 min for specific compositions.
- ECDA-deterred propellants increased average bullet velocity by 93.4 m·s⁻¹, reduced gun bore pressure by 19 MPa, and decreased smoke concentration by up to 44.5%.
Conclusions:
- ECDAs effectively improve propellant burning progressivity and interior ballistic performance.
- The developed ECDAs significantly mitigate muzzle flame and smoke emissions.
- Specific ECDA formulations and deterring conditions optimize propellant safety and performance.
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