Investigation of CL-20/NEPE propellant: thermal decomposition, ignition and combustion characteristics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: CL-20/NEPE propellants, due to their high energy levels, superior combustion performance, and low signature characteristics, hold significant application value in the field of propellant technology. However, their thermal decomposition , ignition and combustion characteristics are highly complex, necessitating a deeper understanding. In this study, a thermal gravimetric analyzer was deployed to study the thermal decomposition characteristics of CL-20/NEPE propellant, and then a high-pressure combustion chamber was established to observe the ignition process and combustion characteristics. The thermal decomposition of CL-20/NEPE propellant was observed to occur in three phases: low-temperature rapid mass loss stage (50 °C–280 °C), medium-temperature slow mass loss stage (290 °C–400 °C), and high-temperature slow mass loss stage (400 °C–500 °C). The propellant undergoes five phases during ignition and combustion: initial flame formation, flame diffusion , steady combustion, flame recession, and flame extinction. The microstructure of condensed combustion products post-combustion was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope , we broadly categorized the CCPs into three types according to their morphology. Finally, we constructed an agglomeration model predicated on the pocket model to forecast aluminum agglomerate sizes within CL-20/NEPE propellant. The experimental data closely match the model's predictions, validating the model's efficacy in agglomeration prediction for this propellant.
Author: Chengyin Tu
Institution: Tsinghua University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,620
OpenAlex ID: W4409563179