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Updated: May 28, 2026
10:33
Research and Development of High-performance Explosives
Published on: February 20, 2016
A Method for Reducing the Temperature Sensitivity of a Single-Base Propellant by Adding Ultra-Fine RDX Particles
Sihan Zhu1,2, Yingbo Wang1,3, Qixuan Ying1,2
1School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
Polymers
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Adding ultra-fine RDX particles to single-base propellant reduces temperature sensitivity. This innovation enhances weapon safety and efficiency by stabilizing interior ballistic performance across varying environmental temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Ballistics
Background:
- Temperature sensitivity coefficient significantly impacts propellant charges, causing pressure fluctuations and compromising safety.
- Variations in environmental temperature can lead to 40-80 MPa fluctuations in maximum chamber pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a single-base propellant with higher energy and a lower temperature sensitivity coefficient.
- To investigate the effect of adding ultra-fine RDX particles on propellant performance.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of ultra-fine RDX particles into a single-base propellant matrix.
- Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) to assess interface behavior.
- Closed bomb tests to evaluate burning behavior and temperature sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Microcracking at RDX-propellant interfaces due to differing thermal expansion coefficients.
- Increased burning surface area at low temperatures, counteracting reduced reaction rates.
- SEM and TMA confirmed temperature-dependent interfacial behavior.
- Modified propellant exhibited stable burning and reduced temperature sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The structural interaction between RDX fillers and the propellant matrix effectively lowers the temperature sensitivity coefficient.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for designing climate-resilient ammunition.
- The modified propellant demonstrates improved operational safety and efficiency.
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