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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Joyce, David M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Glumac, Nick G.

• shock tube
• aluminum
• spectroscopy
• combustion

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 David M. Joyce

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/24008