Laser ignition of nano-composite energetic loose powders

Shawn C. Stacy, Michelle L. Pantoya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Laser ignition experiments were conducted to better understand parameters that influence ignition of energetic materials. A Nd:YAG laser (10ms, 1.5J, 3mm spot diameter) was used to heat the top surface of an energetic powder composed of nanometric aluminum (Al) combined stoichiometrically with an oxidizer (copper oxide (CuO), iodine pentoxide (I2O5), polytetrafluoroethylene (C2F4), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) or iron oxide (Fe2O3)). Ignition delay time was calculated as the difference between first light of the laser's flash lamp and the energetic material. Results show that laser energy required for ignition is dependent on pre-ignition reactions, phase change/decomposition temperatures, confinement, and laser absorbance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)441-447
Number of pages7
JournalPropellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics
Volume38
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013

Keywords

  • Aluminum combustion
  • Ignition mechanisms
  • Percolation threshold
  • Powder composite energetic materials
  • Thermite

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