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Interrelationship Between Solid Propellant Combustion and Materials Behavior

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Kenneth K. Kuo,
Thomas A. Litzinger and
Wen H. Hsieh
Kenneth K. Kuo
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Thomas A. Litzinger
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Wen H. Hsieh
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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Abstract

Thermochemical and physical processes which occur in various aspects of solid-propellant combustion including steady-state burning, ignition, transient burning, cook-off and crack propagation are presented in this paper. For each case, the various thermochemical and physical properties involved are summarized. In addition, the current direction of solidpropellant research is highlighted. The intent of this paper is to stimulate the interest of materials scientists and engineers in the field of solid propellants so that they will contribute their unique expertise to the advancement of current research. It is also the hope of the authors that the paper will serve as a useful summary of important relationships and parameters for scientists and engineers currently involved in solid-propellant research.

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