Studies on ignition of TPE based RDX propellants by laser impulse

Abstract

Laser light exhibits specific characteristics in the energy transfer to high-energy materials (HEMs) leading to subsequent decomposition process. A set-up was established for laser ignition. Induction time is one of the critical parameters of the HEMs used for various applications. During this study, it was experimentally determined for TPE based RDX-propellants, which are potential candidates for low vulnerability ammunition. Laser beam from a solid state pulsed Nd-YAG operating at 1.06 mm wavelength was used as energy source. An interesting observation was, increase in ignition delay on incorporation of glycidyl azide prepolymer and decrease in ignition delay on addition of ballistic modifier.