Ignition of Ammonium Perchlorate

Abstract

A simplified theory for the ignition of ammonium perchlorate is proposed, which is derived from a unified theory that also explains the low-pressure deflagration limit as well as the steady deflagration. The theory provides an approximate method of calculating the ignition delay and the minimum external heat flux for a successfulignition. as functions of pressure andinitial solid temperature. The ignition calculationsshowthat there exists a pressure limit due to the weakness of the igniter strength, in addition to the low-pressure deflagration limit which is an inherent property of the solid independent of the igniter strength. The theory can be extended to other monopropellants for which exothermic reaction occurs only in the gas phase.