Insensitive munitions (IM) and combustion characteristics of GAP/AN composite propellants

Sensitivities to the ballistic shock and burn rate characteristics of GAP/AN composite propellants were investigated. Nitrate esters, such as TMETN and NC, were very effective ballistic modifier that provided useable burn rate and pressure rate exponent for minimum signature propellant based on AN. Their low temperature mechanical properties become less sensitive to the temperature,, with nitrate esters. Dioctyl adipate platicized propellant showed excellent mechanical properties at operational temperature range.,;. The primary initiation mechanism of card gap test was not dominated by the mechanical properties. Although NC signifcantly increased the critical shock pressure, 14.8% HM and AP were less effective to the sensitivities. GAP/AN propellants showed excellent IM characteristics to die ballistic shock applied here.