A Global View of the Use of Aluminum Fuel in Solid Rocket Motors

This paper discusses the many ramifications of putting aluminum fuel into solid propellant compositions. The influence of its presence is presented chronologically with respect to the lifetime history of a solid rocket motor. This chronology includes its effect on the propellant theoretical performance; formulation; processing; safety; detonation sensitivity; steady and unsteady combustion; agglomeration; droplet combustion; non-equilibrium effects; creation of condensed liquid aluminum oxide; maximum stable aluminum oxide droplet size as a function of motor size; thermal and velocity lag losses; slag retention; delivered Isp; insulation performance, nozzle recession; exit cone impingement; failure to achieve fusion at most in the exit cone; effect on plume optical and electromagnetic properties.