Multi-scale simulation of diffusion behavior of deterrent in propellant

Concentration distribution of the deterrent in single-base propellant during the process of firing plays an important role in the ballistic properties of gun propellant in weapons. However, the diffusion coefficient calculated by molecular dynamics(MD) simulation is 6 orders of magnitude larger than the experimental values. Meanwhile, few simple and comprehensive theoretical models can explain the phenomenon and accurately predict the concentration distribution of the propellant. Herein, an onion model combining with MD simulation and finite element method of diffusion in propellants is introduced to bridge the gap between the experiments and simulations, and correctly predict the concentration distribution of deterrent. Furthermore, a new time scale is found to characterize the diffusion process. Finally, the time-and position-depended concentration distributions of dibutyl phthalate in nitrocellulose are measured by Raman spectroscopy to verify the correctness of the onion model. This work not only provides guidance for the design of the deterrent, but could be also extended to the diffusion of small molecules in polymer with different crystallinity.