Abstract: A rocket propellant includes a hydrocarbon blend having a total aromatic compounds content less than 0.5 mass percent, a specific energy of at least 18.4 KBtu/lb, and a mass density of at least 0.8150 grams per cubic centimeter. The propellant, which can be prepared by blending a refined kerosene with an isoparaffin and/or a cycloparaffin, exhibits a high volumetric heat of combustion and excellent thermal stability. This combination of properties is especially useful for fueling reusable launch vehicles employing regenerative cooling of engine components.

Abstract: A multilayered memristor includes a semiconducting n-type layer, a semiconducting p-type layer, and a semiconducting intrinsic layer. The semiconducting n-type layer includes one or both of anion vacancies and metal cations. The semiconducting p-type layer includes one or both of metal cation vacancies and anions. The semiconducting intrinsic layer is coupled between the n-type layer and the p-type layer to form an electrical series connection through the n-type layer, the intrinsic layer, and the p-type layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a rocket propulsion oxidizer compound that is a solution, is a homogenous and stable liquid at room temperature and includes nitrous oxide and nitrogen tetroxide. In addition, an apparatus is provided for burning a fuel and nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide. The apparatus has a combustor, a catalyst, a nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide supply passage for directing the nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide to a contact position with the catalyst, and a fuel supply passage for supplying the fuel to the combustor. The catalyst acts to facilitate decomposition of the nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide, while the combustor burns the fuel, the decomposed nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide and/or nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide decomposed in the reaction.

Abstract: Reduced toxicity fuels containing hydrocarbons having both strained rings and internal, conjugated triple bonds are disclosed. The fuels described herein are hypergolic with nitrogen tetroxide and/or inhibited red fuming nitric acid.

Abstract: A hypergolic bipropellant. The hypergolic bipropellant includes an ionic liquid fuel and nitric acid, which is operable as an oxidizer. The ionic liquid fuel comprises an open chain amine having at least one quarternized nitrogen and a dicyanamide anion.

Abstract: Advanced bipropellant fuels with fast ignition upon mixing with storable oxidizer (N2O4, nitric acid) have been synthesized and demonstrated. The bipropellant fuels are based upon salts containing dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide anions and employ at least two hydrazine functionalities in the cations.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a rocket propulsion oxidizer compound that is a solution, is a homogenous and stable liquid at room temperature and includes nitrous oxide and nitrogen tetroxide. In addition, an apparatus is provided for burning a fuel and nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide. The apparatus has a combustor, a catalyst, a nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide supply passage for directing the nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide to a contact position with the catalyst, and a fuel supply passage for supplying the fuel to the combustor. The catalyst acts to facilitate decomposition of the nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide, while the combustor burns the fuel, the decomposed nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide and/or nitrous oxide/nitrogen tetroxide decomposed in the reaction.

Abstract: A group of tertiary amine azides are useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH.

Abstract: A method for gassing an emulsion explosives to sensitize the explosive to detonation and/or for density modification is described. The method comprises reacting a compound having an enol group, or a deprotonated enolate form of the enol group, with a nitrosating agent to generate nitric oxide to gas the explosive. The compound reacted with the nitrosating agent can be a lactone such as ascorbic acid. Dinitrogen trioxide is particularly useful as the nitrosating agent.

Abstract: Hypergolic liquid or gel fuel mixtures utilized in bipropellant propulsion systems are disclosed as replacements for fuels containing toxic monomethylhydrazine. The fuel mixtures include one or more amine azides mixed with one or more tertiary diamine, tri-amine or tetra-amine compounds. The fuel mixtures include N,N,N?,N?-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) mixed with 2-N,N-dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ), TMEDA mixed with tris(2-azidoethyl)amine (TAEA), and TMEDA mixed with one or more cyclic amine azides. Each hypergolic fuel mixture provides a reduced ignition delay for combining with an oxidant in fuel propellant systems. The fuel mixtures have advantages in reduced ignition delay times compared to ignition delay times for each unmixed component, providing a synergistic effect which was not predictable from review of each component's composition.

Abstract: Provided is a hypergolic bipropellant formed by combining a IL fuel having a dicyanamide anion and a nitrogen-containing, heterocyclic-based cation with an oxidizer for such fuel.

Abstract: An explosive device and methods for forming same, the device comprising a portion of nitrous oxide and a portion of fuel. In one example, the explosive device may include a first storage area containing said portion of nitrous oxide, and a second storage area containing said portion of fuel, wherein the first storage area selectively maintains the portion of nitrous oxide separated from the fuel in the second storage area prior to detonation of the explosive device. In another example, in the event the explosive fails to detonate, the explosive device may include a vent valve for discharging the nitrous oxide from the explosive device to reduce or eliminate its explosive characteristics. The explosive device can be used for various applications, including but not limited to military weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or civil blasting explosives, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a group of tertiary amine azides useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH.

Abstract: A method for gassing an emulsion explosives to sensitise the explosive to detonation and/or for density modification is described. The method comprises reacting a compound having an enol group, or a deprotonated enolate form of the enol group, with a nitrosating agent to generate nitric oxide to gas the explosive. The compound reacted with the nitrosating agent can be a lactone such as ascorbic acid. Dinitrogen trioxide is particularly useful as the nitrosating agent.

Abstract: An explosive device and methods for forming same, the device comprising a portion of nitrous oxide and a portion of fuel. In one example, the explosive device may include a first storage area containing said portion of nitrous oxide, and a second storage area containing said portion of fuel, wherein the first storage area selectively maintains the portion of nitrous oxide separated from the fuel in the second storage area prior to detonation of the explosive device. In another example, in the event the explosive fails to detonate, the explosive device may include a vent valve for discharging the nitrous oxide from the explosive device to reduce or eliminate its explosive characteristics. The explosive device can be used for various applications, including but not limited to military weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or civil blasting explosives, for example.

Abstract: Compositions and methods herein provide monopropellants comprising nitrous oxide mixed with organic fuels in particular proportions creating stable, storable, monopropellants which demonstrate high ISP performance. Due to physical properties of the nitrous molecule, fuel/nitrous blends demonstrate high degrees of miscibility as well as excellent chemical stability. While the monopropellants are particularly well suited for use as propulsion propellants, they also lend themselves well to power generation in demanding situations where some specific cycle creates useable work and for providing gas pressure and/or heat for inflating deployable materials.

Abstract: Compositions of gas generants with polymer adhesive are disclosed. The gas generant compositions include nitrogen containing guanidines, hydrogen containing tetrazole, oxidizing agent, polymer adhesive, and residue aggregating agent. The nitrogen containing guanidines range from 25 to 45 weight percent. The hydrogen containing tetrazole is 10-30 weight percent. The nitrate oxidizing agent is 20-40 weight percent. The perchlorate oxidizing agent ranges from 1 to 15 weight percent. The polymer adhesive is 0.1-3 weight percent and the residue aggregating agent weights from 1 to 15 weight percent. The gas generant pellets are applied to inflators for generating gas so that the air bag is inflating instantly for protecting driver and passengers in automobile.

Abstract: This invention involves the mixtures of oxides of nitrogen and oxygen (O2) as the oxidizing component in propulsion, gas generation and power generation applications. Advantages of the oxidizers of the inventions may be self pressurization, high density, density impulse, higher operational temperatures, and high Isp performance. The invention provides devices, methods and compositions related to the disclosed oxidizers.

Abstract: A novel compound, tris (5-amino tetrazolo) triazine is used for example, as a gas generating fuel. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound may be contained within a gas generant composition 12, within a gas generator 10. The gas generator 10 may be contained within a gas generating system 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: An auto ignition/gas generating composition is provided that contains DL-tartaric acid as a first fuel; a second fuel selected from carboxylic acids; amino acids; tetrazoles; triazoles; guanidines; azoamides; metal and nonmetal salts thereof; and mixtures thereof; and potassium chlorate as a first oxidizer. Potassium perchlorate is also preferably included as a second oxidizer. The composition is typically contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: A novel family of amine azides having a cyclic structure therein is disclosed. These compounds have attractive properties as rocket propellants.

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided wherein a hydrocarbon-containing inflation gas-producing mixture is formed via the fluid extraction of the hydrocarbon from a substrate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film-type ignition element, used in particular for igniting the propellant charge of large-caliber ammunition. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing an ignition element of this type.

Abstract: Nitramines are one of the more expensive and often the more plentiful ingredients found in energetic materials, such as solid rocket motor propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. By treating aluminized energetic material with an aqueous nitric acid solution containing not more than 55% by weight aqueous nitric acid at a weight ratio of aqueous nitric acid to energetic material of about 4:1 to about 6:1, most constituents of conventional aluminized energetic materials are digested into solution, with the exception of nitramines, which remain substantially insoluble in the aqueous nitric acid and can be recovered without requiring recrystallization of the nitramines. A mineral acid other than nitric acid, preferably hydrochloric acid, may be added to increase the rate of aluminum digestion. Treatment of the energetic material can be performed without volatile organic solvents, thus obviating ecological, cost, and safety concerns raised by the use of volatile organic solvents.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of generating a gas with low solids by preparing and combusting the low-solids gas generating composition. The compositions of the invention include a mixture of a basic copper nitrate oxidizer and a fuel selected for the group consisting of 5-nitro-uracil, guanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, ammonium 5-nitro-uracil salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-uracil salt, triamino 5-nitro-uracil salt, guanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, ammonium 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, triaminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, and mixtures thereof, wherein the oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and produces no more than about 0.06 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

Abstract: Nitramines are one of the more expensive and often the more plentiful ingredients found in energetic materials, such as solid rocket motor propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. By treating aluminized energetic material with an aqueous nitric acid solution containing not more than 55% by weight aqueous nitric acid at a weight ratio of aqueous nitric acid to energetic material of about 4:1 to about 6:1, most constituents of conventional aluminized energetic materials are digested into solution, with the exception of nitramines, which remain substantially insoluble in the aqueous nitric acid and can be recovered without requiring recrystallization of the nitramines. A mineral acid other than nitric acid, preferably hydrchloric acid, may be added to increase the rate of aluminum digestion. Treatment of the energetic material can be performed without volatile organic solvents, thus obviating ecological, cost, and safety concerns raised by the use of volatile organic solvents.

Abstract: Batch-mode and continuous-mode decomposition of nitrous oxide is used to provide multiple ignitions of a solid-propellant gas generator and subsequently control its output gas temperature and flow rate, respectively. To reignite the solid-propellant gas generator, a controlled mass of a reactive oxidizer, such as hot nitrous oxide decomposition products, is injected into the gas generator chamber.

Abstract: The subjects of this patent are three amine azide monopropellants, dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ), pyrollidinylethylazide (PYAZ) and diethylaminoethylazide (DEAZ). Amine azides decompose on an iridium catalyst at 400° F. and have very low freezing points (<−65° F.). Dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) has been tested and is a suitable replacement for hydrazine in monopropellant thruster applications. An amine azide can be used as a non-carcinogenic alternative for any monopropellant system using hydrazine. An amine azide could be used to replace hydrazine in thrust vector control or reactive control applications for space based applications. An amine azide could be used to replace hydrazine in divert attitude control systems in interceptor missile systems. In a gel fuel formulation the tertiary amine azide gel can have 0.5%-10% gellant. The gellant can be silicon dioxide, clay, carbon or any polymeric gellant.

Abstract: A gas generator for air bags having a container holding a combustible gas mixture and fitted with a closure which opens into a combustion chamber fitted with a gas outlet in which the gas mixture is ignited by an ignition device. To provide a fast-reacting ignition device and generate a controllable flow of pressurized gas at a relatively low temperature, the container is mainly filled with a pressurized inert gas and contains 0.1 to 2.0% vol. of a hydrocarbon and 0.5 to 10% vol. of a gaseous oxidizing agent. On being actuated, the ignition device opens the container closure, ignites the gas mixture flowing into the combustion chamber and maintains combustion by the continuous supply of energy.

Abstract: Liquid monopropellants for passive vehicle restraint systems (e.g., air bags) include an aqueous solution of a water-soluble oxidizer and a water-soluble organic fuel miscible with the oxidizer. The oxidizer is most preferably ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid, while the fuel is a lower alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or glycerol. The liquid monopropellants will advantageously have an oxidation ratio (OR) of greater than about 0.90.

Abstract: An inflator (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a pressurized container (20), a gas generating material stored under pressure in the container (20), and an igniter (36) for igniting the gas generating material in the container. The gas generating material comprises an oxidizer and a fuel. At least a major portion of the oxidizer is nitrous oxide in a liquid-gas state. At least a major portion of the fuel is polyvinyl alcohol in a porous, molded solid state (64). A portion of the liquid nitrous oxide is absorbed into the pores of the molded polyvinyl alcohol (64). The gas generating material upon combustion produces a combustion product consisting essentially of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus and a method are provided using a quantity of a compensatory material to supplement a stored pressurized gas.

Abstract: A liquid gas generator system supplies gas pressure only when it is needed. Hydrazine and hydrazine blends have been considered for liquid gas generators because of their ability to decompose at ambient conditions on an iridium catalyst to form warm (1000° F. to 1500° F.) gases. Hydrazine is undesirable because of its toxicity and high melting point (34° F.). The tertiary amine azides, which are defined hereinabove and below, are non-carcinogenic alternatives to hydrazine in liquid or gel gas generator systems. These tertiary amines azides are non-carcinogenic alternatives for use with a thermal reactor bed where exothermic reaction releases enough heat to sustain decomposition for furnishing gases for gas generator systems employed. A tertiary amine typically has three hydrocarbons moieties attached to the nitrogen atom. The tertiary amine azides of this invention can have no more than seven carbon atoms in the molecules.

Abstract: A thixotropic oxidizer gel comprising inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IA) as the carrier with lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3) suspended therein and gelled with a gellant agent of SiO.sub.2 having a mean particle size of 0.015 microns has the rheological properties which can be tailored to match those of MICOM GEL, a fuel gel.A thixotropic gelled fuel (MICOM GEL) has been of particular interest because of its increased safety, reduced sloshing, ease of pumping at zero gravity and ability to suspend high concentrations of high-energy ingredients. However, a gelled oxidizer has been desired for use with the gelled fuel to constitute a thixotropic gelled propellant system. The combination of a gelled fuel (MICOM GEL) and a gelled oxidizer is now a reality after the development of the thixotropic oxidizer gel disclosed above. Of major significance is the matching of the rheologial properties of the two gels so that an oxidizer/fuel (O/F) ratio shift does not occur with a temperature change.

Abstract: A high density inhibited red fuming nitric acid oxidizer gel is disclosed ich results in an improvement from 0.5% to about 1.0.% in the impulse over a baseline formulation containing 14% nitrogen tetroxide. An improvement from about 3.0% to about 6.0% is achieved in the density impulse baseline formulation. The higher density inhibited red fuming nitric acid is derived by adding from about 15 percent by weight to about 45 percent by weight percent of nitrogen tetroxide to nitric acid in an amount from about 80 percent by weight to about 40 percent by weight. The other ingredient of the oxidizer gel comprise a gellant of about 0-10 percent by weight, water from about 0-4 percent by weight, and an inhibitor agent of about 0-1 percent by weight. IRFNA is inhibited with phosphoric acid, iodine compounds, or hydrogen fluoride which is present in the oxidizer gel as an additive.

Abstract: Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid (IRFNA) type IIIB and monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) ignite when contacted with each other because of a hypergolic chemical reaction and are the preferred oxidizer and fuel for bipropellant rocket propulsion systems. These propellants can deliver a specific impulse of 284 lbf sec/Ibm and density impulse of 13.36 lbf sec/cubic inch when the engine operating pressure is 2000 psi. Special precautions must be used when handling because of its toxic properties. A fuel gel propellant fuel that would be a suitable replacement for MMH must be less toxic and have a competitive density impulse for the same engine operating conditions. Three compounds meeting the specified requirements have been synthesized and their physical and ballistic properties are evaluated herein as shown in Table 1. The chemical names for these compounds are dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ), pyrollidinylethylazide (PYAZ), and bis (ethyl azide)methylamine (BAZ).

Abstract: A rocket propellant of improved Isp and thrust is provided by modifying a rocket fuel of RP-1 (a kerosene fraction). Such fuel is combined with an oxidizer (e.g. liquid oxygen, LOX) which defines a rocket propellant of the prior art. Such propellant is modified per the invention by addition to or replacement of, the RP-1 with quadricyclane. In another embodiment, quadricyclane is added to n-Hexane as a fuel composition which is then combined with an oxidizer to define a rocket propellant per the invention. The invention thus provides a number of rocket fuels which upon combination with an oxidizer, provides a high energy density propellant, which can permit increases of over 10 wt % in additional payload for rocket launch vehicles.

Abstract: A gas-producing material for a gas generator, particularly, for an inflatable impact cushion for protecting motor vehicle passengers is made up of a combustible liquid gas mixture of one or several short-chain hydrocarbons and nitrogen monoxide. As a result of exothermic action during combustion there is a multifold increase in volume so that no filters which are required for solid matter generators, are necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid or gel propellant comprising an oxidizer and a fuel, said fuel preferably having a vapor pressure not exceeding 10 millimeters of mercury at 25.degree. C. and being selected from the group consisting of hydroxy-(lower alkyl)-hydrazine, dihydroxy-(lower alkyl)hydrazine, cyanoethylhydrazine, 1-methyl-1-cyanoethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethyl-2-cyanoethylhydrazine, and combinations thereof. Also claimed is a method of making the propellant.

Abstract: An energetic compound having the structural formulaO--O--N--Nis disclosed. Routes for synthesizing the compound involving the reaction of oxygen atoms in the [.sup.1 D] electronic state with N.sub.2 O are also disclosed. The energetic compound is particularly useful as an oxidant in chemical propulsion systems.

Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition and a method for making the composition are disclosed. The explosive composition is prepared by first formulating a gel concentrate that comprises a mixture of a sensitizer, such as hexamethylenetetramine or hexamethylenetetraminemononitrate and an oxidizer, such as ammonium nitrate in water and a gelling agent. Mixtures of sensitizers or mixtures of oxidizers can also be used in our invention. This gelled concentrate can be prepared, stored and later utilized to form the explosive composition by combining from 5 to 60 parts by weight of the gelled concentrate with from 95 to 40 parts by weight of a particulate oxidizer, such as ammonium nitrate or an ammonium nitrate-fuel oil composition. The resulting explosive compositions have increased densities and hence a significantly higher energy per unit volume.

Abstract: A method of combining explosive compositions prepared from commercially available nitric acid and a common industrial solvent is disclosed herein which exhibits exceedingly high blasting strengths. The compositions are relatively more stable than conventional shaped charge explosives such as HMX or RDX and far less expensive. The compositions are transported separately to the blasting site where the compositions are combined in ambient temperature for immediate use.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus whereby typically furnished commercially nitrogen tetroxide propellants for rocket engines may be upgraded to decrease flow decay problems and to increase the shelf life of the product; thereby providing for longer duration trouble-free rocket engine performance. The raw MON material is initially converted if necessary to the "Red" type; dissolved iron salts and other dirt particulates are removed by cooling and filtering, and thenceforth throughout the process the material is filtered at each transfer operation. Specific apparatus arrangements are provided for facilitating the process and the end product is of increased purity; whereby upon being furnished to an engine for test or vehicle launching purposes the program may proceed as scheduled and the vehicle may be maintained in space for a longer period of time.

Abstract: An explosive ternary nitrate mixture of ethylenediamine dinitrate, ammonium itrate, and potassium is prepared by mixing together approximately stoichiometric amounts of aqueous nitric acid, ethylenediamine, ammonia, and potassium hydroxide at a temperature of less than about 130.degree. C. The additions can be made simultaneously or sequentially in any order.

Abstract: Explosive compositions prepared from commercially available nitric acid and a common industrial solvent are disclosed herein which exhibit exceedingly high blasting strengths. The compositions are relatively more stable than conventional shaped charge explosives such as HMX or RDX and far less expensive.

Abstract: A hybrid gun propellant containing an oxidizer rich liquid monopropellant d an oxidizer deficient single based solid propellant.

Abstract: A mixture of aqueous nitric acid (about 90 volume percent HNO.sub.3 and 10 volume percent H.sub.2 O) and Decalin are used as a propellant for a liquid propellant gun.

Abstract: A two component, high temperature, thermally stable explosive composition comprises a liquid or low melting oxidizer and a liquid or low melting organic fuel. The oxidizer and fuel in admixture are incapable of substantial spontaneous exothermic reaction at temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K. At temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K., the oxidizer and fuel in admixture have an activation energy of at least about 40 kcal/mol. As a result of the high activation energy, the preferred explosive compositions are nondetonable as solids at ambient temperature, and become detonable only when heated beyond the melting point. Preferable oxidizers are selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred fuels are organic compounds having polar hydrophilic groups. The most preferred fuels are guanidinium nitrate, acetamide and mixtures of the two.