Two suggestions:
Copper Thermite starts KNSB propellant really fast. Just use caution with it.
I don't use it anymore since I like SLOW starting sugar motors.
Rick
On Monday, October 22, 2018 9:47 AM, M.C. Olde <mr.m.c.olde@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Dear people,
For my master thesis I am characterizing both course and fine KNSB
(KNO3-Sorbitol) propellants at various conditions (pressure/ grain initial
temperature) as it is a readily available solid propellant that has not been
characterized overtly much. In addition it would allow me to almost freely
publish my test data/ propellant characteristics and other results which cannot
be said of many commercial solid propellants or when collaborating with
companies.
However during my experiments I have run into considerable issues with the fine
(100 mu average KNO3) propellant, I cant get it to ignite while the course (350
mu average KNO3) propellant burns alright. I've tried most of the textbook
solutions but currently I am completely out of ideas. I have the feeling that
my current igniter charge burns too fast for the KNSB to properly start
combusting. I'm looking for answers to for instance the following questions:
- What would be potential physical mechanisms that make the fine KNSB more
difficult to initiate than course KNSB?
- What igniter redesigns could I implement to give it a better chance of
ignition? (Other compositions/ different geometries/ slower burning
suggestions?) - bonus points for reuse of current hardware and non space-grade
energetic materials such as BKNO3.
I have condensed my thoughts and a summary of the problem in a small Root Cause
Analysis. I sincerely thank any suggestions in the right direction.
kind regards/ vriendelijke groeten,
Martin Christiaan OldeMSc student, DARE member
Delft University of Technology
