Study of the Influence of the Electric Field on the Incidental Ignition of Aluminized Compound Solid Propellant via Electrostatic Discharge

Resumo

Copyright © 2023 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). All rights reserved.Electrostatic discharge is recognized as a form of ignition of energetic materials and unanticipated events of this nature get attention due to the magnitude, delay in the development of projects and loss of life. Studies have established the correlation between metallic aluminum present in formulations and the sensitivity of solid propellants to electrostatic discharge (ignition and cracking). To evaluate the influence of the electric field on the formation of cracks in the composite, models were used in the software COMSOL Multiphysics relating the amount of aluminum and the sensitivity to ESD. An experimental design for simplex network mixtures with pseudocomponents was adopted and electrical permittivity was the property observed in hypothetical AP/HTPB/Al mixtures. A model built in the COMSOL simulated external and internal discharges in a rocket motor indicating sensitive points load accumulation - in its structure, represented by the superficial density of load. Furthermore, a model assigned by the Hong group of mechanics and structural materials from Iowa State University was used to evaluate crack formation and its relation to electrical permissiveness. The results associated to the equation obtained from the experimental planning show that the model presented for the study of rupture is in accordance with the literature. The studies carried out presented a new methodology for the study of the influence of electric fields on aluminized solid composites indicating the possibility of ignition via ESD.

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