Owing to the hea lth threat of perchlorate contamination of groundwater, we have re-formulated pyrotechnic compositions used in spectrally balanced decoy flares, as well as in red, green, and yellow signal flares so as to remove the perchlorate ingredient while still maintaining performance characteristics that meet or exceed those of the in-service devices. The perchlorate-free decoy flare composition chosen for scale-up was successful in match ing the spectral ratio and infrared emission intensity of the older of two types of spectrally balanced flares. Chern ical equilibrium computations have shown that it should also be possible to formulate a successful organic-fueled, perchlorate-free substitute for the newer of the two types of flares. We have also conducted extensive laboratory and prototype scale testing of perchlorate-free red flare compositions. Prototype scale test<; revealed a degradative aging problem with the hygroscOj)ic calcium nitrate ingredient. We then selected a slightly modified red composition that we are performance and ignition sensitivity testing, prior to proceeding with fonnulation qualification, final type qualjfication

A model for the combustion of pyrophoric metal foils has been developed. The diffusive mass transport, heat transport, and chemical reactions of porous iron foils have been described. The temperature and radiated energy of these materials has been predicted as a function of the physical characteristics of the material (porosity, pore size, specific surface area) for different atmospheric conditions (temperatures and oxygen concentrations varied with altitude and wind velocity).

This paper documents the first‐time assessment of a novel oxidizer, potassium ferrate(VI), as an alternative to perchlorate and hazardous metal‐containing oxidizers in energetic formulations, using thermochemical calculations. Calculations were performed for several different types of pyrotechnic formulations using the NASA Chemical Equilibria with Applications (NASA‐CEA) program. Formulations used in devices including smokes, illuminants, signals, igniters, delays, and flashes were evaluated to determine the feasibility of using potassium ferrate(VI) as an alternative oxidizer. The calculated adiabatic flame temperatures and equilibrium combustion products for the proposed formulations were compared to those of common baseline formulations for different pyrotechnic applications to determine the likelihood of functional success of potassium ferrate(VI)‐based formulations. Based on these initial data, it is highly probable that formulations incorporating potassium ferrate(VI) will result in reactive compositions for a variety of pyrotechnic applications. This material could address environmental concerns about perchlorate and heavy metal contamination by offering an environmentally‐friendly alternative oxidizer.

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