Influence of Thermal Radiation on Solid Propellant Burning Rate

Radiation assisted burning rate data r(qr] and temperature sensitivity of burning rate data [r(p, T0) and op = dr/dT0)p] were obtained for a well characterized double base propellant (nitrocellulose and metriol trinitrate). For example, at 14.6 atm, 70 cal/sec-cm of xenon arc radiation increased the burning from 0.2 to 0.6 cm/sec. Analysis of the heat feedback from the flame revealed that once r(T0) data are available, r(qr) data does not permit additional properties of the combustion zone to be deduced. However, a simple analytical relationship between r(qr) and op was developed that approximates the measured results. Propellant burning rate responsiveness to external thermal radiation increases with higher ap and lower burning rate.