Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-mlc7c Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-02T23:19:50.818Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Infrared Fiber Optic Diagnostic for Solid Propellant Combustion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

J. Wormhoudt  and
P. L. Kebabian
J. Wormhoudt
Affiliation:
Aerodyne Research, Inc., 45 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821
P. L. Kebabian
Affiliation:
Aerodyne Research, Inc., 45 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821
Get access

Abstract

We report on a program to develop and demonstrate a diagnostic technique using infrared fiber optics to probe the decomposition processes in burning gun propellant strands. The present experimental configuration involves measuring the absorption through a small gap between two embedded fibers. The gap can be filled with propellant, or left open to fill with gaseous decomposition products. Spectroscopic detection is presently achieved using pairs of bandpass filters. The absorption record can be correlated with readings from an embedded thermocouple and with a high resolution video recording of the bum. We also report on preliminary experiments in which an electrically heated filament is used to melt the infrared fiber as its transmission and physical appearance are monitored.

The goal of this program is to develop a fast-response probe of solid phase processes which can support the development of a predictive modeling capability for gun propellant combustion. We present examples of data for the atmospheric pressure burning now under investigation. A full assessment of the usefulness of this technique will require further observations and analysis.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 296: Symposium Y – Structure and Properties of Energetic Materials , 1992 , 367
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Alexander, M. H., Dagdigian, P. J., Jacox, M. E., Kolb, C. E., Melius, C. F., Rabitz, H., Smooke, M. D., and Tsang, W., Prog. Energy Combust. Sci. 17, 263 (1991).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2. Karpowicz, R. J. and Brill, T. B., Comb. Flame 56, 317 (1984).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Miller, P. J., Block, S. and Piermarini, G. J., Comb. Flame 83, 174 (1991).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Toscano, J. P. and McBride, M., Yale University, private communication, 1989.Google Scholar
5. Oyumi, Y. and Brill, T. B., J. Phys. Chem. 91, 3657 (1987), and references therein.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6. Piermarini, G. J., Block, S. and Miller, P. J., J. Phys. Chem. 91, 3872 (1987).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7. Brill, T. B., Prog. Energy and Comb. Sci. 18, 91 (1992).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
8. Miller, M., U. S. Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, private communication, 1991.Google Scholar
9. Ishihara, A., Brewster, M. Q., Sheridan, T. A. and Krier, H., Comb. Flame 84, 141 (1991).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
10. Erickson, K. L., Trott, W. M., and Renlund, A. M., ”Use of Thin-Film Samples to Study Thermal Decomposition of Explosives”, paper presented at 18th International Pyrotechnics Seminar, Breckenridge, CO, 13–17 July, 1992.Google Scholar