University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Combustion signatures of various energetic metal powders in a shock tube experiment

Joyce, David M.

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Joyce_David.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/24008

Description

Title
Combustion signatures of various energetic metal powders in a shock tube experiment
Author(s)
Joyce, David M.
Issue Date
2011-05-25T14:54:10Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Glumac, Nick G.
Department of Study
Mechanical Sci & Engineering
Discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Date of Ingest
2011-05-25T14:54:10Z
Keyword(s)
  • shock tube
  • aluminum
  • spectroscopy
  • combustion
Abstract
Metal additives are used in explosives and solid propellants in order to increase the energetic output and effectiveness of the explosives or fuel. Aluminum has been the primary solid fuel additive to solid fuel to improve the combustive properties of propellants. Several other metals are being considered for explosive material applications, such as reactive materials, reactive fragments, and metalized explosions. It is important to understand the burning characteristics of these materials in order to optimize their use. This study focuses on comparing the spectroscopic outputs of several energetic metals with that of aluminum. Spectroscopic analysis helps develop optical diagnostics for systems involving combustions of advanced metals. A shock tube experimental setup was used to ignite the powders, and resultant spectra were recorded. Metals tested include aluminum, boron, magnesium, hafnium, zirconium, titanium, manganese, silicon, strontium, and scandium. Finally, the resultant spectrum of each metal tested is explained, and an analysis on the results was performed.
Graduation Semester
2011-05
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/24008
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2011 David M. Joyce

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