Experimental Investigation and Theoretical Analysis of Combustion Residues of a Modular Propellant Charge Structure

The research on propellant charge combustion residues plays an important role in charge design and weapon applications. In this study, testing techniques including SEM/EDS, XPS, and XRD, along with the chemical kinetics analysis software CHEMKIN and Materials Studio simulation technology have been used to investigate the origin, composition, and formation mechanism of combustion residues from a specific modular propellant charge. The results indicate that the combustion residues of the modular propellant charge primarily consist of C, K 2 SO 4 , TiO 2 , K 2 S, and K 2 CO 3 . The numerical simulations indicate that K₂SO₄ in the combustion residues mainly results from incomplete flame inhibitor reactions, TiO₂ originates from the bore erosion-reducing liner and combustible cartridge, while K₂S and K₂CO₃ are combustion products of the booster explosive. It is demonstrates that the prediction model for combustion chamber residues of modular propellant charges, constructed using CHEMKIN software, exhibits excellent qualitative prediction capability regarding the evolution routes and formation trends of carbon components and potassium salts (C(s), K₂SO₄, K₂S, K₂CO₃). This indicates that the formation process of these combustion residues is primarily driven by thermodynamics. For TiO 2 , a preliminary explanation has been provided for its residue behavior from the perspective of interfacial adsorption energy.