RDX/GAP/BTTN propellant flame studies

The non-intrusive techniques of planar laser-induced fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and spontaneous laser Raman spectroscopy were used to map out species and temperature profiles above the surface of self-deflagrating RDX/GAP/BTTN model propellant with a pseudo pre-mixed flame. HCN, CO, and NZ were found to be the major species near the surface, and CO, N-2, and H2O in the burnt gases. A dark zone of about 1200 to 1300 K was observed in which the NO concentration was at its highest. NO, existed only very close to the surface. No formaldehyde was observed in the gas phase. Analysis of thermocouple measurements showed a surface temperature of 605 K. Thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity as a function of temperature were also measured. (C) 2001 by The Combustion Institute.