Laser Ignition Of A Low Vulnerability Propellant Based On Nitrocellulose: Effects Of Ar And N-2 Surrounding Atmospheres

Ignition and combustion characteristics of a low-vulnerability propellant mainly composed of nitrocellulose are studied experimentally. Ignition is obtained using a 10 W laser diode. Experiments are performed in a cylindrical closed-volume reactor for different initial pressures and initial propellant masses under nitrogen and argon surrounding atmospheres. Ignition delays, maximal overpressures and propagation rates are obtained for different initial pressures and laser powers. Ignition probabilities for different laser powers and gaseous atmospheres are also investigated using the modified Langlie method. Argon is found to be a combustion enhancer for this kind of propellant, compared to nitrogen. Laser power plays a significant role on ignition probabilities and ignition delays, but not on propagation rates. As expected, ignition delay is highly dependent on initial pressure.