COMBUSTION OF HMX-CMDB PROPELLANTS (I).

The combustion wave structure of HMX-CMDB (composite modified double-base) propellants was studied in order to elucidate the gas-phase reaction mechanism and to understand the burning rate characteristics. Experiments wefe conducted to determine the thickness of the reaction zone, the gaseous products in the dark zone, and the temperature profile in the combustion waves. The reaction rate in the dark zone is increased by the addition of HMX. This is caused by the equivalence ratio of the oxidizer/fuel in the dark zone shifting toward a stoichiometric ratio when HMX is added. However, the reaction rate in the fizz zone and the heat feedback from the phase to the burning surface is decreased by the addition of HMX. Thus, the burning rate of HMX-CMDB propellants decreases when HMX is mixed within double-base propellants.