Abstract: An example engine for producing thrust includes: a fuel supply to supply a fuel; a chamber fluidly coupled to the fuel supply to receive the fuel; an induction heating assembly operatively coupled to the chamber to inductively energize the fuel in the chamber; and an exhaust nozzle coupled to the chamber to receive energized fuel from the chamber to produce thrust.

Abstract: A method for decoying an infrared seeker comprising the steps of providing a plurality of small pyrotechnic pellets, igniting the pellets and dispersing the pellets.

Abstract: This invention relates to energetic compositions, which offer increased performance in conjunction with a total absence of hydrogen chloride in the combustion products. The formulation avoid the use of halogen based oxidizers to prevent the formation of halogen based byproducts. The formulations disclosed herein use ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer, which is a more energetic molecule than ammonium perchlorate. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein comprise about 5.0 to about 10.0 weight % of at least one energetic binder; about 20.0 to about 35.0 weight % of an energetic plasticizer; about 25.0 to about 45.0 weight % of ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer; about 0.0 to about 20.0 weight % of particulate aluminum having a particle size of about 1 &mgr;m to about 60 &mgr;m; and about 0.0 to about 20.0 weight % of ultrafine aluminum having a particle size of less than 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An autoignition material includes a plurality of agglomerates. Each agglomerate comprises an oxidizer material particle. A plurality of metal fuel particles are disposed on the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles are present in a weight ratio effective to substantially stoichiometrically balance the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles exothermically react with the oxidizer material particle when the autoignition material is exposed to a temperature of about 80° C. to about 250° C. A thin binder film adheres the metal fuel particles to the oxidizer material particle and maintains the metal fuel particles in intimate contact with the oxidizer particle.

Abstract: A gas generant is provided which decreases toxic components, in particular carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, in generated gas to a concentration practical as an air bag system for automobile. A nitrogen-containing organic compound such as a compound containing amino group or amido group or a tetrazole derivative and a oxygen-containing inorganic oxidizer such as KNO3, Sr(NO3)2 or KClO4 are essential components. Therewith one or more metal oxides are contained in the mixed catalyst of the gas generant composition. The oxide is selected from manganese dioxide having a specific surface area not less than 50 m2/g; copper oxide having a specific surface area not less than 1 m2/g; molybdenum oxides such as molybdenum dioxide, molybdenum trioxide, molybdic acid and ammonium molybdate: and copper oxides, cobalt oxides, iron oxides and silver oxides.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an article that emits infrared radiation for a period of about 15 minutes or more, depending on the size and shape, and to a process for preparing the article. The article includes, in a preferred embodiment, a combustible aerogel or other nanocellular substrate with iron metal impregnant formed by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl deposited on and in the substrate in an amount of at least about 5% or at least about 20% of the weight of the substrate, depending on the substrate. The impregnant reacts exothermically on contact with air or an oxygen-containing gas and imparts sufficient energy to the substrate to cause it to burn for about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes depending on size and shape, thereby emitting infrared radiation. The process pertains to deposition of the impregnant on and in the substrate by flowing a carrier gas saturated with the impregnant precursor over and through the substrate.

Abstract: A gas generating composition, particularly for inflating devices such as air bag inflators, includes an effective amount of an exploded aluminum powder to both increase the burning rate and lower the composition's pressure exponent.

Abstract: A method of increasing the water resistance of a blasting explosive comprising an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt having a particular particle size distribution and a gelling agent comprising the step of adding to the blasting explosive a particulate filler material. The particle size distribution of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are selected to increase the water resistance of the blasting explosive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoflash mixture comprising a mixture of particles of zirconia and at least one oxidizer, wherein said zirconia particles comprise a mixture of smaller particles between about 2 and 10 .mu.m diameter, and larger particles between about 20 and 30 .mu.m average diameter.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacturing a granular igniter, which facilitates control of the igniter preparation, handling of the granule igniter and improvement in manufacturized yield. The present invention also provides a process for manufacturing a granular igniter which is free from toxic gas generation when burned and which has excellent fluidity. The present invention moreover reduces the number of manufacturing process facilitating the production process, and reducing production costs.An igniter containing boron and potassium nitrate are mixed together with water in a homogenizer to form a homogeneous slurry. The mixing ratio of the igniter to the water is set in the range of 1.0:0.6 to 1.0:1.6 in terms of weight ratio. The slurry is sprayed in a spray dryer where it is dried and granulated. Micropowder, which failed to be collected as the granule, is recovered through a cyclone, and recirculated as the raw material.

Abstract: A galvanically conductive explosive is formed by the admixture of a small proportion of precious metal-containing platelets to a binder. The resulting blend is combined with explosive granules to form a homogeneous mixture which, after press-forming, produces galvanically conductive bodies.

Abstract: Graphite fibers (62) are mixed with other materials (22) to form gas generating material (10) for use in an air bag inflator. The graphite fibers are first chopped to a desired short length by forming a mixture of fluid and relatively long graphite fibers in a container (50) having therein a rotatable blade (58), and rotating the blade continuously for a period of time to chop the graphite fibers to a shorter and more uniform length. The viscosity of the mixture in the container is increased as the blade rotates in the container, preferably through evaporation or boiling which counteracts the viscosity decreasing effect of fiber shortening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal filaments for use as fuel additives for rocket propellants, explosives, and other pyrotechnic devices. Preferred filaments are those such as zirconium, niobium and titanium (and alloys thereof) which have very high heat of combustion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal filaments for use as fuel additives for rocket propellants, explosives, and other pyrotechnic devices. Preferred filaments are those such as zirconium, niobium and titanium (and alloys thereof) which have very high heat of combustion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal filaments for use as fuel additives for rocket propellants, explosives, and other pyrotechnic devices. Preferred filaments are those such as zirconium, niobium and titanium (and alloys thereof) which have very high heat of combustion.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an azide of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and manganese dioxide for oxidizing the azide. The composition further includes a clay material containing at least 37% by weight of silicon dioxide and having a mixing ratio of at least 5.5% by weight. This composition can allow burning to be conducted at low temperature to ensure the generation of the desired gas. The strength of a pellet of the composition can be improved without generating a toxic gas or reducing the burning rate or reducing the working efficiency in producing the pellet.

Abstract: Propellant grain consisting essentially of:A. from about 50% to about 75% by weight of an oxidizer consisting essentially of ammonium nitrate;B. from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a cured polymeric binder;C. from 0% to about 30% by weight of a nitrate ester plasticizer;D. from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight of boron in free elemental form; andE. from 0% to about 3% by weight of aluminum metal.The grain has a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.30 at a combustion pressure between about 2500 and about 7000 pounds per square inch (between about 1700 and about 4800 N/cm.sup.2). Also, an uncured pourable slurry having the formula stated above, except that the binder is uncured. Also, a method for forming a propellant grain having the formula stated above, comprising the steps of providing the uncured pourable slurry defined above, pouring the slurry into a casing, and curing the slurry in situ to form a cured propellant grain having a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.

Abstract: A thermite mixture with a low autoignition temperature for venting ordnance ase sidewalls during fuel fire, having increased density, tensile strength and elasticity.

Abstract: An explosive composition having a combination of a principal explosive, which is relatively insensitive to initiation of detonation, two mesh fractions of a sensitizing explosive which is relatively sensitive to initiation of detonation, a critical diameter additive which lowers the critical diameter of the composition, and a binder, demonstrates the ability to achieve steady-state detonation after deliberate initiation of detonation. The composition is further characterized by low sensitivity to accidental detonation by external influences, and favorable mechanical and processability properties.A method of making an explosive composition of this type by adjusting the amount of critical diameter additive and testing the composition is also described.

Abstract: A multicomponent explosive composition and its use as a blasting agent in ditching operations and the like. The explosive comprises a fuel component and an oxidizer compnent, both of which are retained in the liquid state over wide temperature ranges and are stable over long storage intervals. The fuel component comprises a suspension of a particulate metal fuel, specifically aluminum, in a carrier liquid formed of a mixture of a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol and a pyrrolidone solvent. The carrier liquid contains a thickening agent to provide thixotropic rheological properties such that the particulate metal fuel remains in suspension at rest, but with shear forces induced by pumping, the components become more fluid for mixing and pumping easily. The oxidizer component comprises an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizer salt. The oxidizer solution contains void-containing materials such as glass or saran microbubbles. The void-containing materials may be suspended in the fuel component also.

Abstract: A wet mixture of a metal azide having a predetermined average particle size and a metal oxide is prepared. The wet mixture is ground to reduce at least the average particle size of the metal azide. Thereafter, the wet mixture is directed through a chamber containing grinding media. The grinding media is agitated as the mixture flows through the chamber to further reduce the average particle size of the metal azide to a desired particle size.

Abstract: The invention provides a pyrotechnic composite and process for preparing the same, wherein the pyrotechnic composite comprises a mixture of an alkaline earth metal sulfate, particulate boron and at least one additional particulate metal which is capable of exothermically reacting with boron. The exothermic reaction between the components of the pyrotechnic composite releases a thermal radiation of at least about 300 W/cm.sup.2 -Steradian and a visible light energy of at least about 1.0.times.10.sup.4 LUX.

Abstract: Method for coating boron particles with a thin ceramic layer. The method provides for thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon gas in the presence of the boron particles. The coated particles are useful in fuels, giving improved combustion in solid propellant and ramjet fuels.

Abstract: Low alloy steel tubes are decarburized, heavily diffusion chromized and heavily diffusion aluminized to protect them against sulfidation. For the diffusion they can be supported upright with one end on layer of diffusion-coating pack on floor of a retort. Surface portions that are to be welded are covered with masking layer that prevents diffusion coating, or with inert layer that reduces the amount of coating. Diffusion aluminizing can also be applied to foils and powder to make pyrophoric product after leaching out much of the introduced aluminum. Powder can also be diffusion boronized. Pyrophoric boron-containing iron or nickel powder mixed with Ba(NO.sub.3).sub.2 will ignite to cause generation of large quantity of NO.sub.2 gas, and generation is improved when powdered boron and/or oxidizer like NaClO.sub.3 is added.

Abstract: The invention concerns a castable pyrotechnic composition used to produce opaque smoke for impeding the transmission of infrared radiation from a target to a sensor, of the type including a compound generating carbon particles whose dimensions are between 1 and 14 .mu.m.The composition includes a condensed halogenated carbon compound with a melting point between 75.degree. C. and 120.degree. C., with a halogenation ratio greater than 3, such as chloronaphthalene, a fluoro carbon compound such as vinylidene polyfluoride, and a metal powder such as magnesium, reacting together at a temperature of the order of 1500.degree. C.Application is in camouflaging targets emitting infrared radiation.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain is made of a gas generating material which includes 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, 1-2% by weight of fumed silica, and from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.

Abstract: A solid or semisolid propellant comprising grains of propellant or propellant components bonded together so as to create voids within the propellant volume, said grains bonded together with sufficient strength to substantially delay the fluidization of the propellant by the onset of Taylor unstable burning, said propellant having a rapid burn rate below that associated with Taylor unstable burn. In another embodiment, the grains are held within and the voids are filled with viscous fluid binder such as a petroleum oil, said binder functioning to hinder Taylor unsatable burning and yet permit very rapid burning within the propellant volume.

Abstract: High density water gel explosives having relatively large amounts of low density sensitizers are prepared by evenly dispersing a densifying material therethrough. Separation of the densifying material during the mixing and packaging of the water gel explosive is prevented by adding from about 0.1 to 2% comminuted paper to the water gel. It has been found that the paper greatly increases the viscosity of the composition, so that the heavier densifying materials do not settle out. The paper has also been found to contribute to the stability of the explosive gel over prolonged storage periods.

Abstract: A conducting composition suitable for use in a firing cap is disclosed. The conducting composition comprises normal lead styphnate which has a mean particle size not less than 55 microns, in admixture with carbon black which has a mean aggregate size between 5 microns and about 15 microns. The conducting composition has less sensitivity than known conducting compositions and therefore when used in a conducting cap renders the cap less likely to unintential ignition by induced e.m.f. such as from radio transmitters or the like.

Abstract: A method of minimizing deep hole pressure effects on ammonium nitrate-containing blasting agents while optimizing booster sensitivity, detonation rate and detonation energy of such agents, by replacing density control component(s) with a sensitizer formulation comprising particulate aluminum and particulate smokeless powder; and a corresponding detonatable high density emulsion blasting agent utilizing such sensitizing formulation.

Abstract: An embedment system with controlled shrinkage for use with a composite-modified double-base propellant composition which is comprised of an embedment granule portion in percent by weight of nitrocellulose of about 23.0, nitroglycerine of about 8.8-13.8, triacetin of about 1.2, bisspiro orthocarbonate from about 2.5-5.0, resorcinol of about 1.5, 2-nitrodiphenylamine of about 1.0, ammonium perchlorate (10 micrometers) of about 48.5 and aluminum powder (20 micrometers) of about 10.0 and an embedment resin portion in percent by weight of bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin of about 50.0, epoxidized dimer acid of about 50.0, and a curative which is comprised of equal parts mixture of methylenedianiline, m-phenylenediamine, and i-propyl-m-phenylenediamine with an added accelerator of 2,4-dinitrophenol. This embedment system employs a specific bisspiro orthocarbonate, 3,9-bis(5'-norbornene-2'-yl)-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.

Abstract: A primer mix which contains from 26 to 66 weight percent titanium and from 74 to 44 weight percent potassium perchlorate having a density of from 68 to 81 percent of crystal density such that the mix is stable at high temperature up to 525.degree. F. for more than 100 hours without degradation and requires a relatively high amount of impact energy greater than 4 ft.-lbs. in order to ignite it. Alternatively, the primer mix contains from 40 to 74 weight percent zirconium and from 60 to 26 weight percent potassium perchlorate having the above density. The primer mix is used in a percussion primer for initiating combustion or in a percussion initiator for detonating a high-order explosive, as used for example within wellbores in the oil and gas industry.

Abstract: Positive rocket motor pressure hull venting in the case of deck fires is vided by placement of thermite masses at spaced locations on the interior of the hull. Small cylindrical masses as well as strip formed masses are employed. The thermite mass includes a small amount of structurally formed aluminum as well as the conventional powdered aluminum.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a carbonaceous fuel, and inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier, and a sensitizing/densifying agent of finely divided non-explosive material of high density, such as ferrophosphorus, ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, sand or alumia which is added to the oil phase. The water-in-oil composition can also contain other components, such as bulking agents, additional fuels and auxiliary sensitizers. The sensitized compositions can be detonated with a No. 6 cap in diameters as low as 2.54 centimeters at temperatures as low as 5.degree. F. and with densities as high as 1.50 g/cc.

Abstract: An improved embedment system is disclosed which is comprised of an embedm granule portion in percent by weight of nitrocellulose of about 23.0, nitroglycerine of about 15.0, resorcinol of about 1.5, 2-nitrodiphenylamine of about 1.0, ammonium perchlorate (10 micrometers) of about 45.5, and aluminum powder (20 micrometers) of about 14.0 and an embedment resin portion in percent by weight of bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin of about 44, epoxidized dimer acid of about 20, and a curative which is the condensation product of 2 moles of 1,2-bis(maleimido)ethane and one mole of triaminotriazine of about 36.0. This embedment system has superior characteristics of a high peel strength and greater resistance to penetration by or absorption of carboranylmethyl propionate or casting solvent absorption.

Abstract: A sensitizing agent for water gel explosive compositions and process for preparing the same is provided which comprises an oxidizer, water, a gelling agent, and a cross-linker, and wherein the improvement comprises including therein a sensitizer comprised of from about 1 to about 15 weight percent of aluminum admixed with from about 2 to about 25 weight percent of a densifying agent, such as ferrophosphorus, ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, or combinations thereof, said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to novel .epsilon.-caprolactone co-polyesters which when combined with diisocyanates are useful as binders in solid urethane-type propellant formulations. Said co-polyesters are prepared by the reaction, (in the presence of a catalyst for the reaction) and a dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A plastic bound high power explosive comprises 90 to 97 percent by weight of a powerful explosive compound, for example octogen, and 3 to 10 percent by weight of a novel stabilizing and binding agent. The agent comprises substantially 20 to 50 percent poly-O-butyl acrylate and 3.5 to 20 percent paraffin, as well as 2 to 7 percent poly tetrafluorethylene as a lubricant, 20 to 65 percent of a filler and 1 to 8 percent poly ethylene or, respectively, in the case of an antistatic high power explosive, 25 to 65 percent graphite as a lubricant and 15 to 25 percent calcium sulphate as a filler, each by weight of the portion of solids in the agent. Further additives like emulsifiers, dispersants, defoamers, surfactants, thickeners and small amounts of silica gel are added.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the burning rate of solid propellants hich contain metal staples and/or metal flakes, etc., through the use of an electrical field effect created by the application of direct-current to a propellant grain placed between direct-current electrodes. This method also provides a means of correcting for anisotropy of burning rate in propellants which contain metal staples, metal flakes, etc., where non-random orientation may occur at the motor wall and mandrel surface.

Abstract: The incendiary mass comprises a zirconium or titanium powder containing a mean grain size of 15-50 .mu.m, to which there is added less than 2%-by-weight of an organic binder, in particular polyvinylacetate because small binder concentrations have a favorable effect upon the action or effect pattern of the combusting or burning metal particles, i.e. upon the combustion time and length of the flight trajectory.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical composition for delay elements comprising metallic antimony and potassium permanganate are disclosed. The pyrotechnical composition can contain 0.1 to 2.08 percent of a light metal in powder form. It is useful as a delay composition in time fuses having burning time intervals of over 150 milliseconds.

Abstract: An improved water dispersible aluminum powder composition containing from 0.1% to less than 5% of a polyvinylpyrrolidone resin, and processes for its preparation are disclosed. This composition has the advantages that, in comparison to known compositions containing higher levels of polyvinylpyrrolidone, it can be more completely separated from hydrocarbons, and, when used as a water based slurry blasting agent sensitizer is effective in smaller diameter bore holes.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane, a sensitizer, and an oxidizable fuel.

Abstract: A castable solid propellant composition suitable for use as a fuel generator for a ducted rocket motor is provided. The binder for the composition is a crosslinked polysiloxane. The polysiloxane polymer which is crosslinked to form the binder has a viscosity measured at 77.degree. F. of from about 12 poise to about 50 poise. The metal fuel for the composition is a mixture of spherical and flake magnesium. The composition contains from about 16% to about 20% polysiloxane binder and from 55% to 63% magnesium fuel. The oxidizer is principally ammonium perchlorate.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive explosive composition in powder form contains, in addition to ammonium nitrate as its single oxygen releasing component, and optional components commonly used in explosive compositions, four components within specific weight ranges, calculated on the basis of the weight of the explosive composition:(a) 3 to 8% of a combustible liquid consisting of one or more completely water soluble components, having a boiling temperature of above 120.degree. C., and being capable of dissolving ammonium nitrate in amounts of between 20 grams and 100 grams per 100 grams of said liquid without reacting chemically with ammonium nitrate;(b) 0.5 to 2.5% of a water blocking agent consisting of a high molecular weight polysaccharide having the property of imparting high viscosity to an aqueous, saturated ammonium nitrate solution;(c) 0.

Abstract: A composite-type propellant is disclosed. The propellant contains metal grains having an average grain size of not more than 0.2.mu. as an exothermic agent.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with porous metal agglomerates suitable for use in metal fuels and consisting of combustible powders of nodular, flaky, irregular or acicular shape and preferably a mixture of aluminium and silicon although aluminium, aluminium alloy or aluminium mixed with silicon, magnesium or iron or alloys of these metals can be used. The powder is of 0 to 500 microns size range or a cut thereof and is granulated with a synthetic resin binder by build-up to a porous agglomerate having a size range of 100 to 2500 microns and an apparent density of between 0,4 and 1,1.

Abstract: 1. A gelled mechanically stable high energy fuel composition comprising a hydrazine selected from the group consisting of hydrazine, unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine and mixtures thereof and an amount of metal platelets effective to produce a mechanically stable gel, said platelets having a diameter of less than about 44 microns and an average diameter of about 1 micron, and said metal platelets being composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, beryllium and aluminum-beryllium alloy.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel desensitized explosive wherein a normally sitive solid explosive material is coated with an effective desensitizing amount of a phlegmatizing agent which contains functional groups reactive with one or more ingredients conventionally used in forming a thermally stable, crosslinked solid composite explosive. The present invention also includes thermally stable, crosslinked solid composite explosive in which said desensitized explosives are an integral part. Still further this invention includes the method of coating the as-received explosive material with said phlegmatizing agent, preferably in a drying vessel at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An incendiary composition comprising zirconium or hafnium metallic sponge particles and an organic binder. The metallic sponge particles are from 2.5 to 300 mesh U.S. Standard. The binder is present in an amount of from 2% to 15% by weight.