Particle size distribution effect on burn rate of ammonium nitrate based propellant
conference paper
Burn rate control of a Phase Stabilised Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) propellant by specific surface area (SSA) tuning of the PSAN oxidiser resulted in unexpected effects of applying a new batch of PSAN having a different particle size distribution. Analysis of the deviations and consultation of literature showed that improvement might be found by applying a combined SSA/particle size formula in relation to burn rate. A so-called 'threshold particle size' parameter was determined by statistical analysis of over 30 propellant batches. Verification was obtained from improved correlation between PSAN characterisation and burn rate for the 30+ existing batches, combined with results of specially produced additional batches having up to 20% higher burn rates. Data on pressure exponent and temperature sensitivity are included.
Topics
TNO Identifier
535434
Publisher
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics AIAA
Article nr.
AlAA 95-2714
Source title
31st Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit
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