Insensitive munitions (IM) and combustion characteristics of GAP/AN composite propellants

Abstract

Sensitivities to the ballistic shock and burn rate characteristics of GAP/AN composite propellants were investigated. Nitrate esters, such as TMETN and NC, were very effective ballistic modifier that provided useable burn rate and pressure rate exponent for minimum signature propellant based on AN. Their low temperature mechanical properties became less sensitive to the temperatures with nitrate esters. Dioctyl adipate platicized propellant showed excellent mechanical properties at operational temperature ranges. The primary initiation mechanism of card gap test was not dominated by the mechanical properties. Although NC significantly increased the critical shock pressure, 14.8% HMX and AP were less effective to the sensitivities. GAP/AN propellants showed excellent IM characteristics to the ballistic shock applied here.

Study of the decomposition of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) by simultaneous thermal analysis: determination of kinetic parameters

“…: +351-39-828392; fax: +351-39-841138; e-mail: pnsim@eq.uc.pt some applications is still a matter of interest [1±7]. To reduce its low performance characteristics, AN has been formulated with reactive metals [5] as well as with energetic binders [1,2]. Furthermore, efforts have been made in developing different kinds of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) [8,9] to minimize the undesirable physical properties, and its effects, characterizing ordinary AN.…”

Binder Materials for Green Propellants

“…GAP has also been used in ammonium nitrate-based propellants [105]. Various GAP/HNF-based propellants have been developed by TNO, NL [106].…”

Burning Characteristics of Ammonium-Nitrate-Based Composite Propellants with a Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene/Polytetrahydrofuran Blend Binder

“…Despite these problems, AN-based propellants are popular because they are chlorine-free, present a small hazard, and have low observable emissions (minimum smoke). Numerous approaches have been adopted to improve the burning characteristics of AN-based propellants, including the use of 2 International Journal of Aerospace Engineering catalysts [3][4][5][6][7][8][9], the addition of metals [10][11][12][13], and the use of energetic binders based on azide polymers [14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”