Advanced Simulation of the Lifetime of Energetic Materials based on HFC Signals

Abstract

The prediction of the shelf life of energetic materials requires the precise determination of the kinetics of their decomposition. Due to the fact that energetic materials decompose with the evolution of heat, the thermoanalytical methods such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Heat Flow Calorimetry (HFC) are often used for the monitoring the reaction rate and the evaluation of the kinetic parameters of these reactions. In the present paper we describe the precise, advanced method of the evaluation of the kinetic parameters from HFC signals. Proposed method was applied for the kinetic evaluation of the decomposition process of two spherical double base and one EI® propellants type, all for small calibre used in defence applications. The kinetic parameters were determined from the experiments carried out between 50-100°C. The very good description of the low temperature data by the kinetic parameters determined at higher temperatures indicates the constancy of the decomposition mechanism between 50 and 100°C. The experimental data collected during more than 7 years by means of HFC (at 50°C) were well simulated by the kinetic parameters derived from the high temperature HFC signals. Such a possibility enables e.g. the precise prediction of the shelf life of the energetic materials at any temperature mode in the range of 50-10°C, at different climatic categories proposed by STANAG 2895 [1] and, more generally, the precise simulation of the reaction at any temperature profile close to the ambient temperature.