Self-extinguishable solid propellant

US8114229B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• University of Central Florida Research Foundation · US

Inventors

• Eric Petersen · Orlando, US
• Sudipta Seal · Oviedo, US
• Matthew Stephens · Elkton, US
• David L. Reid · Richardson, US
• Rodolphe Carro · Melbourne, US
• Thomas Sammet · Orlando, US
• Alex Lepage · Oviedo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 27, 2009
• Grant date: Feb 14, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C22C32/0094
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Solid composite propellant compositions include at least one oxidizing agent, at least one binder, and at least one surfactant. The surfactant provides the solid propellant the property of being “self-extinguishing”, where the burning rate of the solid composite propellant as a function of pressure includes a negative pressure dependence portion, wherein the burning rate in the negative pressure dependence portion decreases with increasing pressure until a cutoff pressure is reached which results in extinguishment of the solid composite propellant. The solid composite propellant can also include at least one catalyst that modifies the burning rate of the solid composite propellant. Solid composite propellants can be extinguished without the need for depressurization by reaching a cutoff pressure, and with a tailored burning rate.