A model for the combustion and extinction of composite solid propellants during depressurization

• Published in: Combustion and flame Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 59 - 69
• Main Authors: Mongia, Hukam C., Ambs, Lawrence L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.01.1974
• ISSN: 0010-2180; 1556-2921
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-2180(74)90010-8

In this paper are described some results of an investigation of the transient burning rate and critical pressure decay rate required to cause extinction of a steadily burning solid propellant subject to sudden depressurization. The analysis takes into account the finite times associated with the conduction process and the variation of condensed phase heat release in the solid during a transient. It is postulated that composition of the solid decomposition products,is oxidizer-rich immediately after the start of depressurization and fuel-rich afterwards. The theoretically calculated transient burning rates qualitatively agree with experimentally measured values, reported by Norton and Schultz [1]. Yin and Hermance [2], and Fletcher and Bunde [3]. A stability analysis under the linear approximation predicts the existence of a minimum burning, surface temperature below which stable combustion of the solid propellant is not possible. The analysis correctly predicts the critical depressurization rate required to extinguish a burning solid propellant by sudden preventing of the combustion chamber.