A Thermodynamic Properties Estimation Method for Isocyanates

Will Meyerriecks ABSTRACT: The accurate estimation of the adiabatic flame temperature is necessary when evaluating a composite propellant. This in turn requires additional formulation and properties data including the reactant percentages, chemical formulas, and formation enthalpies, where the latter is sometimes difficult to obtain. When experimental data is not available, one must use estimation methods. …
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Hydrazinium Nitroformate: A High Performance Next Generation Oxidizer

Jeroen Louwers ABSTRACT: The use of chlorine-free high performance oxidizers in solid rocket propellants may reduce launch costs, while producing less polluting exhaust products. Hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) is a candidate for such a next generation oxidizer. In this article the properties of HNF are addressed. Its combustion and decomposition characteristics, and its application in rocket …
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Studies of the Thermal Stability and Sensitiveness of Sulfur/Chlorate Mixtures Part 1. Introduction

D. Chapman, R. K. Wharton and G. E. Williamson ABSTRACT: The presence of sulfur/chlorate mixtures in fireworks compositions has been proposed as the cause of numerous accidents in production and storage. A series of accidents after the introduction of the 1875 Explosives Act led to additional legislation to prohibit such mixtures in the UK. In …
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Pyrotechnic Ignition and Propagation: A Review

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: The ideal pyrotechnic is completely stable in storage and handling, yet performs its mission completely with absolute reliability upon demand. Many accidents in pyrotechnics are the result of unintentional ignitions during handling and storage. There can also be serious safety ramifications of ignition and propagation failures of pyrotechnic …
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Methods for Calculation of Thrust Coefficients

Ed Brown ABSTRACT: When one wishes to predict or analyze rocket motor/engine performance accurately, a method for determining the nozzle thrust coefficient at each point in time is essential. If the vacuum thrust coefficient for the nozzle is known, the thrust coefficient for other conditions can easily be determined. This paper outlines several methods for …
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Thermal Hazards from the Accidental Ignition of Pyrotechnic Compositions

R. K. Wharton and R. Merrifield ABSTRACT: In this paper we have analysed further some of our previously published data relating to thermal effects produced on the ignition of a range of pyrotechnic compositions, and have evaluated the hazards posed to those handling and working with such materials by reference to the distances for different …
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Possible Applications for Computer Codes in the Development of Pyrotechnic Compositions

Rutger Webb The following letter contains some comments on the possible applications for computer codes in the development of pyrotechnic compositions. It is hoped to stimulate more discussion on the practical applications of thermodynamic computer codes in the development of pyrotechnic compositions. (For example, for modeling colored compositions). Ref: JPyro, Issue 7, 1998, pp74-75 (J7_74)

Use of the Term Sensitiveness to Describe the Response of Pyrotechnic Compositions to Accidental Stimuli

Roland K. Wharton and David Chapman ABSTRACT: This paper clarifies the differences between the terms sensitivity and sensitiveness, highlights the adoption of the latter by the United Nations, and proposes that sensitiveness could usefully be employed in describing certain hazard characteristics of pyrotechnic compositions. Keywords: sensitiveness, sensitivity, hazard, pyrotechnic Ref: JPyro, Issue 7, 1998, pp65-68 …
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