Cycle performance of Cu-based oxygen carrier based on a chemical-looping combustion process

The cycle life of oxygen carrier（OC） is crucial to the practical applications of chemical looping combustion（CLC）. Cycle performance of Cu/SiO2 prepared with a mechanical mixing method was evaluated based on a CLC process characterized with an added methane steam reforming step. The Cu/SiO2 exhibited high redox reactivity in the initial cycles, while the performance degraded with cycle number. Through characterization of the degraded Cu/SiO2, the performance degradation was mainly caused by the secondary particles＇ fragmentation and the fine particles＇ local agglomeration, which worsened the distribution and diffusion of the reactive gases in the packed bed. A regeneration method of the degraded OC based on re-granulation has been proposed, and its mechanism has been illustrated. With this method, the performance of the degraded OC through 420 redox cycles was recovered to a level close to the initial one.

Reduction Kinetics of Fe-based Oxygen Carriers Using Syngas in a Honeycomb Fixed-Bed Reactor for Chemical-Looping Combustion

Chemical-looping combustion(CLC)is considered to be a vital method for utilizing hydrocarbon fuel with low carbon emissions.A honeycomb fixed-bed reactor is a new kind of reactor for CLC.However,the further application of the reactor is limited by the inadequacy of the kinetic equations for CLC.In this paper,the experimental studies on the kinetic of Fe-based oxygen carriers were carried out by the CLC experiments using syngas which was obtained from one typical type of coal gasification products.The experimental results show that there were two individual stages for the kinetic characteristics during the fuel reaction process.Therefore,the CLC fuel reaction process could be described by a two-stage unreacted-core shrinking model and the reaction rate equations for each of the two phases were provided.In both stages,the dominant resistances were analyzed.The activation energy and the reaction order in both stages were calculated respectively as well.Comparing the experimental results of reaction rate with the calculated results of the obtained rate equations,it could be clearly seen that the reaction kinetics model was appropriate for the CLC in the honeycomb reactor.This work is expected to provide a guideline for the future development and industrial design of the honeycomb CLC reactors from the perspective of kinetics.

Three-dimensional multiphase full-loop simulation of directional separation of binary particle mixtures in high-flux coal-direct chemical-looping combustion system

Coal-direct chemical-looping combustion(CDCLC)is a promising coal combustion technique that provides CO2 capture with a low energy penalty.In this study,we developed a three-dimensional Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase full-loop model for simulating the circulation and separation of binary particle mixtures in a novel high-flux CDCLC system.This model comprised a high-flux circulating fluidized bed as the fuel reactor(FR),a counter-flow moving bed as the air reactor(AR),a high-flux carbon stripper,two downcomers,and two J-valves.This model predicted the main features of complex gas-solid flow behaviors in the system.The simulation results showed that quasi-stable solid circulation in the whole system could be achieved,and the FR,AR,and J-valves operated in a dense suspension upflow regime,a near-plug-flow regime,and a bubbling fluidization regime,respectively.The multiphase flow model of binary particle mixtures was used to predict the mechanisms of directional separation of binary particle mixtures of an oxygen carrier(OC)and coal throughout the system.A decrease in the baffle aspect ratio of the inertial separator improved the coal selective separation efficiency but resulted in a slight decline in the OC selective separation;this is believed to be the result of weakening of particle collisions with the baffle.A higher FR gas velocity had a slightly negative effect on the OC selective separation efficiency,but improved the coal selective separation efficiency;this can be attributed to an increase in the particle-carrying capacity of the gas stream.A decrease in the coal particle size led to better entrainment of the coal particles by the gas stream and this increased the coal selective separation efficiency.In real CDCLC applications,the operating variables for separation of binary particle mixtures should be comprehensively assessed to determine their positive and negative effects on the carbon capture efficiency,OC regeneration efficiency,gas leakage restraint,energy consumption,and fuel conversion.

Unraveling the role of dual Ti/Mg metals on the ignition and combustion behavior of HTPB-boron-based fuel

Metal additives play an essential role in explosive and propellant formulations. Boron(B) is widely used in propellant applications owing to its high energetic content. The addition of B to explosives and propellants increases their energy density, making them more efficient and powerful. Nevertheless, B forms oxide layers on its surface during combustion, slowing down the combustion rate and reducing rocket motor efficiency. To overcome this issue, other metal additives such as aluminum(Al), magnesium(Mg),and titanium(Ti) are revealed to be effective in boosting the combustion rate of propellants. These additives may improve the combustion rate and therefore enhance the rocket motor’s performance. The present study focused on preparing and investigating the ignition and combustion behavior of pure hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene(HTPB)-B fuel supplemented with nano-titanium and nanomagnesium. The burn rates of HTPB-B fuel samples were evaluated on the opposed flow burner(OFB)under a gaseous oxygen oxidizer, for which the mass flux ranges from 22 kg/(m^(2)·s) to 86 kg/(m^(2)·s). The addition of Ti and Mg exhibited higher regression rates, which were attributed to the improved oxidation reaction of B due to the synergetic metal combustion effect. The possible combustion/oxidation reaction mechanism of B-Mg and B-Ti by heating the fuel samples at 900℃ and 1100℃ was also examined in a Nabertherm burnout furnace under an oxygen atmosphere. The post-combustion products were collected and further subjected to X-ray diffraction(XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM) analyses to inspect the combustion behavior of B-Ti and B-Mg. It has been observed that the B oxide layer at the interface between B-Ti(B-Mg) is removed at lower temperatures, hence facilitating oxygen transfer from the surroundings to the core B. Additionally, Ti and Mg decreased the ignition delay time of B, which improved its combustion performance.

Disasters of gas-coal spontaneous combustion in goaf of steeply inclined extra-thick coal seams

In light of the escalating global energy imperatives,mining of challenging-to-access resources,such as steeply inclined extra-thick coal seams(SIEC),has emerged as one of the future trends within the domain of energy advancement.However,there is a risk of gas and coal spontaneous combustion coupling disasters(GCC)within the goaf of SIEC due to the complex goaf structure engendered by the unique mining methodologies of SIEC.To ensure that SIEC is mined safely and efficiently,this study conducts research on the GCC within the goaf of SIEC using field observation,theoretical analysis,and numerical modeling.The results demonstrate that the dip angle,the structural dimensions in terms of width-to-length ratio,and compressive strength of the overlying rock are the key factors contributing to the goaf instability of SIEC.The gangue was asymmetrically filled,primarily accumulating within the central and lower portions of the goaf,and the filling height increased proportionally with the advancing caving height,the expansion coefficient,and the thickness of the surrounding rock formation.The GCC occurs in the goaf of SIEC,with an air-return side range of 41 m and an air-intake side range of 14 m,at the intersection area of the“<”-shaped oxygen concentration distribution(coal spontaneous combustion)and the“>”-shaped gas concentration distribution(gas explosion).The optimal nitrogen flow rate is 1000 m3/h with an injection port situated 25 m away from the working face for the highest nitrogen diffusion efficacy and lowest risk of gas explosion,coal spontaneous combustion,and GCC.It has significant engineering applications for ensuring the safe mining of SIEC threatened by the GCC.

Fabrication and characterization of multi-scale coated boron powders with improved combustion performance:A brief review

Boron has high mass and volume calorific values,but it is difficult to ignite and has low combustion efficiency.This literature review summarizes the strategies that are used to solve the above-mentioned problems,which include coatings of boron by using fluoride compounds,energetic composites,metal fuels,and metal oxides.Coating techniques include recrystallization,dual-solvent,phase transfer,electrospinning,etc.As one of the effective coating agents,the fluorine compounds can react with the oxide shell of boron powder.In comparison,the energetic composites can effectively improve the flame temperature of boron powder and enhance the evaporation efficiency of oxide film as a condensed product.Metals and metal oxides would react with boron powder to form metal borides with a lower ignition point,which could reduce its ignition temperature.

The regulation of ferrocene-based catalysts on heat transfer in highpressure combustion of ammonium perchlorate/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene/aluminum composite propellants

The regulation of the burning rate pressure exponent for the ammonium perchlorate/hydroxylterminated polybutadiene/aluminum(AP/HTPB/Al)composite propellants under high pressures is a crucial step for its application in high-pressure solid rocket motors.In this work,the combustion characteristics of AP/HTPB/Al composite propellants containing ferrocene-based catalysts were investigated,including the burning rate,thermal behavior,the local heat transfer,and temperature profile in the range of 7-28 MPa.The results showed that the exponent breaks were still observed in the propellants after the addition of positive catalysts(Ce-Fc-MOF),the burning rate inhibitor((Ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium bromide,Fc Br)and the mixture of Fc Br/catocene(GFP).However,the characteristic pressure has increased,and the exponent decreased from 1.14 to 0.66,0.55,and 0.48 when the addition of Ce-FcMOF,Fc Br and Fc Br/GFP in the propellants.In addition,the temperature in the first decomposition stage was increased by 7.50℃ and 11.40℃ for the AP/Fc Br mixture and the AP/Fc Br/GFP mixture,respectively,compared to the pure AP.On the other hand,the temperature in the second decomposition stage decreased by 48.30℃ and 81.70℃ for AP/Fc Br and AP/Fc Br/GFP mixtures,respectively.It was also found that Fc Br might generate ammonia to cover the AP surface.In this case,a reaction between the methyl in Fc Br and perchloric acid caused more ammonia to appear at the AP surface,resulting in the suppression of ammonia desorption.In addition,the coarse AP particles on the quenched surface were of a concave shape relative to the binder matrix under low and high pressures when the catalysts were added.In the process,the decline at the AP/HTPB interface was only exhibited in the propellant with the addition of Ce-Fc-MOF.The ratio of the gas-phase temperature gradient of the propellants containing catalysts was reduced significantly below and above the characteristic pressure,rather than 3.6 times of the difference in the blank propellant.Overall,the obtained results demonstrated that the pressure exponent could be effectively regulated and controlled by adjusting the propellant local heat and mass transfer under high and low pressures.

Emission characteristics of flue gas during the chemical-looping combustion process for multi-component solid waste

Solid waste has interactions with its flue-gas products during combustion,which offers the possibility of regulating its pollutant emissions.Especially,these interaction pathways would be clearer under anaerobic conditions when the chemical-looping combus-tion(CLC)process is used.The CLC experiments of multi-component solid waste were conducted on a homemade twin-bed reactor and the characteristics of flue gas were investigated for the effect of the mixing ratio of sewage sludge and polyvinyl chloride(PVC).The results indicated that the combustion efficiency was>99.9%for these CLC processes;the highest carbon-conversion rate was obtained at 96.3%for PVC with 60%sludge.The highest NO and SO_(2)emissions were 26%and 19%,respectively,when the sludge was mixed with 20%PVC.As the proportion of PVC blended into the sludge increased,the time when the concentration of NO in the flue-gas peaks moved backwards,while peak SO_(2)concentration moved forward.The general trend was to increase first and then de-crease.In addition,there were multiple peaks in carbon emissions,corresponding to~10%,30%and~70%of the carbon-conversion rate;nitrogen emissions reached 90%of total emissions before the carbon-conversion rate was 40%;sulphur emissions had a longer cycle and were mainly emitted between 10%and 60%of the carbon-conversion rate.The results are expected to provide a reference for solid-waste source suppressing to inhibit the generation of pollutants.

Micro-aluminum powder with bi-or tri-component alloy coating as a promising catalyst:Boosting pyrolysis and combustion of ammonium perchlorate

A novel design of micro-aluminum(μAl)powder coated with bi-/tri-component alloy layer,such as:Ni-P and Ni-P-Cu(namely,Al@Ni-P,Al@Ni-P-Cu,respectively),as combustion catalysts,were introduced to release its huge energy inside Al-core and promote rapid pyrolysis of ammonium perchlorate(AP)at a lower temperature in aluminized propellants.The microstructure of Al@Ni-P-Cu demonstrates that a three-layer Ni-P-Cu shell,with the thickness of~100 nm,is uniformly supported byμAl carrier(fuel unit),which has an amorphous surface with a thickness of~2.3 nm(catalytic unit).The peak temperature of AP with the addition of Al@Ni-P-Cu(3.5%)could significantly drop to 316.2℃ at high-temperature thermal decomposition,reduced by 124.3℃,in comparison to that of pure AP with 440.5℃.It illustrated that the introduction of Al@Ni-P-Cu could weaken or even eliminate the obstacle of AP pyrolysis due to its reduction of activation energy with 118.28 kJ/mol.The laser ignition results showed that the ignition delay time of Al@Ni-P-Cu/AP mixture with 78 ms in air is shorter than that of Al@Ni-P/AP(118 ms),decreased by 33.90%.Those astonishing breakthroughs were attributed to the synergistic effects of adequate active sites on amorphous surface and oxidation exothermic reactions(7597.7 J/g)of Al@Ni-P-Cu,resulting in accelerated mass and/or heat transfer rate to catalyze AP pyrolysis and combustion.Moreover,it is believed to provide an alternative Al-based combustion catalyst for propellant designer,to promote the development the propellants toward a higher energy.

A reduced combustion mechanism of ammonia/diesel optimized with multi-objective genetic algorithm

For the deep understanding on combustion of ammonia/diesel,this study develops a reduced mechanism of ammonia/diesel with 227 species and 937 reactions.The sub-mechanism on ammonia/interactions of N-based and C-based species(N—C)/NOx is optimized using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II(NSGA-II)with 200 generations.The optimized mechanism(named as 937b)is validated against combustion characteristics of ammonia/methane(which is used to examine the accuracy of N—C interactions)and ammonia/diesel blends.The ignition delay times(IDTs),the laminar flame speeds and most of key intermediate species during the combustion of ammonia/methane blends can be accurately simulated by 937b under a wide range of conditions.As for ammonia/diesel blends with various diesel energy fractions,reasonable predictions on the IDTs under pressures from 1.0 MPa to5.0 MPa as well as the laminar flame speeds are also achieved by 937b.In particular,with regard to the IDT simulations of ammonia/diesel blends,937b makes progress in both aspects of overall accuracy and computational efficiency,compared to a detailed ammonia/diesel mechanism.Further kinetic analysis reveals that the reaction pathway of ammonia during the combustion of ammonia/diesel blend mainly differs in the tendencies of oxygen additions to NH_2 and NH with different equivalence ratios.

Effect and Mechanism of Rare Earth Hydrotalcite Inhibiting Coal Spontaneous Combustion

A hydrotalcite(layered double hydroxide, LDH) inhibitor which is suitable for the whole process of coal spontaneous combustion and a LDH inhibitor containing rare earth lanthanum elements were prepared. The inhibition effect and mechanism were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD), thermal performance analysis, in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and temperature-programmed experiment. The results have shown that the inhibitor containing lanthanum can play a good inhibitory role in every stage of coal oxidation. During the slow oxidation of coal samples, the inhibitor containing lanthanum ions can slow down the oxidation process of coal and increase the initial temperature of coal spontaneous combustion. At the same time, because the hydroxyl groups in LDHs are connected with-COO-groups on the coal surface through hydrogen bonds, the stability of coal is improved. With the increase of temperature, LDHs can remove interlayer water molecules and reduce the surface temperature of coal. CO release rate of coal samples decreases significantly after adding inhibitor containing lanthanum element, and the maximum inhibition rate of the inhibitor is 58.1%.

Evaluating Ignition and Combustion Performance with Al-Metal- Organic Frameworks and Nano-Aluminum in HTPB Fuel

Incorporating aluminum metal-organic frameworks(Al-MOFs)as energetic additives for solid fuels presents a promising avenue for enhancing combustion performance.This study explores the potential benefits of Al-MOF(MIL-53(Al))energetic additive on the combustion performance of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene(HTPB)fuel.The HTPB-MOF fuel samples were manufactured using the vacuum-casting technique,followed by a comprehensive evaluation of their ignition and combustion properties using an opposed flow burner(OFB)setup utilizing gaseous oxygen as an oxidizer.To gauge the effectiveness of Al-MOFs as fuel additives,their impact is compared with that of nano-aluminum(nAl),another traditional additive in HTPB fuel.The results indicate that the addition of 15%(mass fraction)nAl into HTPB resulted in the shortest ignition delay time(136 ms),demonstrating improved ignition performance compared to pure HTPB(273 ms).The incorporation of Al-MOF in HTPB also reduced ignition delay times to 227 ms and 189 ms,respectively.Moreover,under high oxidizer mass flux conditions(79—81 kg/(m^(2)s)),HTPB fuel with 15%nAl exhibited a substantial 83.2%increase in regression rate compared to the baseline HTPB fuel,highlighting the positive influence of nAl on combustion behavior.In contrast,HTPB-MOF with a 15%Al-MOF additive showed a 32.7%increase in regression rate compared to pure HTPB.These results suggest that HTPB-nAl outperforms HTPB-MOF in terms of regression rates,indicating a more vigorous and rapid burning behavior.

Investigation of oxy-fuel combustion for methane and acid gas in a diffusion flame

Co-combustion of methane(CH4)and acid gas(AG)is required to sustain the temperature in Claus reaction furnace.In this study,oxy-fuel combustion of methane and acid gas has been experimentally studied in a diffusion flame.Three equivalence ratios(ER=1.0,1.5,2.0)and CH_(4)-addition ratios(CH_(4)/AG=0.3,0.5,0.7)were examined and the flame was interpreted by analyzing the distributions of the temperature and species concentration along central axial.CH_(4)-AG diffusion flame could be classified into three sections namely initial reaction,oxidation and complex reaction sections.Competitive oxidation of CH_(4)and H_(2)S was noted in the first section wherein H_(2)S was preferred and both were mainly proceeding decomposition and partial oxidation.SO_(2)was formed at oxidation section together with obvious presence of H2 and CO.However,H2 and CO were inclined to be sustained under fuel rich condition in the complex reaction section.Reducing ER and increasing CH4/AG contributed to higher temperature,H_(2)S and CH_(4)oxidation and CO_(2)reactivity.Hence a growing trend for CH_(4)and AG to convert into H_(2),CO and SO_(2)could be witnessed.And this factor enhanced the generation of CS2 and COS in the flame inner core by interactions of CH4 and CO_(2)with sulfur species.COS was formed through the interactions of CO and CO_(2)with sulfur species.The CS_(2)production directly relied on reaction of CH_(4)with sulfur species.The concentration of COS was greater than CS_(2)since CS_(2)was probably inhibited due to the presence of H_(2).COS and CS_(2)could be consumed by further oxidation or other complex reactions.

Comparison of Combustion Characteristics of Tars Produced with Tobacco Stem Biomass Gasification

In order to study the combustion characteristics of tar in biomass gasifier inner wall and gasification gas,“tobacco stem semi-tar inside furnace”,“tobacco stem tar inside furnace”and“tobacco stem tar out-of-furnace”were subjected to thermogravimetric experiments,and the combustion characteristics and kinetic characteristics were analyzed.The result shows that“tobacco stem semi-tar inside furnace”has the highest value and“tobacco stem tar out-of-furnace”is has the lowest value on ignition characteristics,combustion characteristics and combustible stability;“tobacco stem semi-tar inside furnace”has the lowest value and“tobacco stem tar outside furnace”has the highest value on burnout characteristics;“tobacco stem tar outside furnace”has the highest value and“tobacco stem tar inside furnace”has the lowest value on integrated combustion characteristics.

An effective catalyst carrier SiO_(2):Enhancing catalytic and combustion properties of CuFe_(2)O_(4)on energetic components

To enhance the catalytic activity of copper ferrite(CuFe_(2)O_(4))nanoparticle and promote its application as combustion catalyst,a low-cost silicon dioxide(SiO_(2))carrier was employed to construct a novel CuFe_(2)O_(4)/SiO_(2)binary composites via solvothermal method.The phase structure,morphology and catalytic activity of CuFe_(2)O_(4)/SiO_(2)composites were studied firstly,and thermal decomposition,combustion and safety performance of ammonium perchlorate(AP)and 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine(RDX)with it affecting were then systematically analyzed.The results show that CuFe_(2)O_(4)/SiO_(2)composite can remarkably either advance the decomposition peak temperature of AP and RDX,or reduce the apparent activation energy at their main decomposition zone.Moreover,the flame propagation rate of RDX was promoted by about 2.73 times with SiO_(2)content of 3 wt%,and safety property of energetic component was also improved greatly,in which depressing the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of pure RDX by about 1.89 times.In addition,the effective range of SiO_(2)carrier content in the binary catalyst is found to be 3 to 5 wt%.Therefore,SiO_(2)opens a new insight on the design of combustion catalyst carrier and will promote the application of CuFe_(2)O_(4)catalyst in solid propellant.

New Problems of Boiler Corrosion after Coupling Combustion of Coal and Biomass and Anti-Corrosion Technologies

This study explores the corrosion issues arising from the coupled combustion of coal and biomass and proposes potential solutions.Biomass,as a renewable energy source,offers advantages in energy-saving and carbon reduction.However,the corrosive effects of alkali metal compounds,sulfur(S)and chlorine(Cl)elements in the ash after combustion cannot be underestimated due to the high volatile content of biomass fuels.We investigate the corrosion mechanisms,as well as the transfer of Cl and alkali metal elements during this process.Comparative corrosion analyses are conducted among coal-fired boilers,pure biomass boilers and boilers with coupled combustion.Various biomass types in co-firing are studied to understand different corrosion outcomes.The main factors influencing corrosion include the physicochemical properties of biomass feedstock,furnace temperature and heating surface materials,with the chemical composition and ash content of biomass playing a dominant role.Currently,the methods used for anti-corrosion include water washing pretreatment of biomass feedstock,application of novel alloys and coatings and the development of additives to inhibit fouling,ash deposition and corrosion.Efficient inhibitors are economical and easy to produce.Additionally,biomass can be converted into biomass gasification gas,although challenges related to tar still need to be addressed.

A new fluorocarbon adhesive:Inhibiting agglomeration during combustion of propellant via efficient F-Al_(2)O_(3) preignition reaction

Inhibiting the agglomeration of molten aluminum particles packed in the binder network is a promising scheme to achieve efficient combustion of solid propellants.In this investigation,the hydroxyl-terminated structured fluorinated alcohol compound(PFD)was introduced to modify the traditional polyethylene glycol/polytetrahydrofuran block copolymerization(HTPE)binder;that is,a unique fluorinated polyether(FTPE)binder was synthesized by embedding fluorinated organic segments into the HTPE binder via crosslinking curing.The FTPE was applied in aluminum-based propellants for the first time.Due to the complete release of fluorinated organic active segments in the range of 300℃to 400℃,the burning rate of FTPEbased propellant increased from 4.07(0%PFD)to 6.36 mm/s(5%PFD),increased by 56.27%under 1 MPa.The reaction heat of FTPE propellants increased from 5.95(0%PFD)to 7.18 MJ/kg(5%PFD)under 3.0 MPa,indicating that HTPE binder modified with PFD would be conducive to inhibiting the D90 of condensed combustion products(CCPs)dropped by 81.84%from 75.46(0%PFD)to 13.71μm(5%PFD)under 3.0 MPa,in consistent with the significant reduction of aluminum agglomerates observed on the quenched burning surface of the propellants.Those results demonstrated that a novel FTPE binder with PFD can release fluorinated organic active segments,which motivate preignition reaction with the alumina shell in the early stage of aluminum combustion,and then enhance the melting diffusion effect of aluminum to inhibit the agglomeration.

Microstructure Regulation and Combustion Performance Optimization of PVDF/Al Composite Powder by Non-covalent Functionalized Graphenes

Graphene prepared by non-covalent modification of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone)(SPG)was combined with polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)/Al to improve the PVDF/Al thermal conductivity while reducing the effect of the thermal resistance at the graphene-polymer interface.The regulation rule of SPG with different contents on the energy release of fluorine-containing system was studied.When the content of SPG is 4%,the peak pressure and rise rate of SPG/PVDF/Al composite powder during ignition reach the maximum of 4845.28 kPa and 8683.58 kPa/s.When the content of SPG is 5%,the PVDF/Al composite powder is completely coated by SPG,and the calorific value of the material reachs the maximum of 29.094 kJ/g.Through the design and micro-control of the composite powder,the calorific value of the material can be effectively improved,but the improvement of the mass release rate still depends on the graphene content and surface modification state.

A CombustionModel for Explosive Charge Affected by a Bottom Gap in the Launch Environment

Launch safety of explosive charges has become an urgent problem to be solved by all countries in the world aslaunch situation of ammunition becomes consistentlyworse.However, the existing numericalmodels have differentdefects. This paper formulates an efficient computational model of the combustion of an explosive charge affectedby a bottom gap in the launch environment in the context of the material point method. The current temperatureis computed accurately from the heat balance equation, and different physical states of the explosive charges areconsidered through various equations of state. Microcracks in the explosive charges are described with respectto the viscoelastic statistical crackmechanics (Visco–SCRAM) model. Themethod for calculating the temperatureat the bottomof the explosive charge with respect to the bottomgap is described. Based on this combustionmodel,the temperature history of a Composition B (COMB) explosive charge in the presence of a bottom gap is obtainedduring the launch process of a 155-mm artillery. The simulation results show that the bottom gap thickness shouldbe no greater than 0.039 cm to ensure the safety of the COM B explosive charge in the launch environment. Thisconclusion is consistent with previous results and verifies the correctness of the proposed model. Ultimately, thispaper derives amathematical expression for themaximumtemperature of the COMB explosive chargewith respectto the bottomgap thickness (over the range of 0.00–0.039 cm), and establishes a quantitative evaluationmethod forthe launch safety of explosive charges.The research results provide some guidance for the assessment and detectionof explosive charge safety in complex launch environments.

Effects of nano-metal oxide additives on ignition and combustion properties of MICs-boron rich fuels

Boron has been considered a promising powdered metal fuel for enhancing composite propellants'energy output due to its high energy density.However,the high ignition temperature and low combustion efficiency limit the application of boron powder due to the high boiling point of the boron oxide layer.Much research is ongoing to overcome these shortcomings,and one potential approach is to introduce a small quantity of metal oxide additives to promote the reaction of boron.This study prepared boron-rich fuels with 10 wt%of eight nano-metal oxide additives by mechanical ball milling.The effect of metal oxides on the thermo-oxidation,ignition,and combustion properties of boron powder was comprehensively studied by the thermogravimetric analysis(TG),the electrically heated filament setup(T-jump),and the laser-induced combustion experiments.TG experiments at 5 K/min found that Bi_(2)O_(3),MoO_(3),TiO_(2),Fe_(2)O_(3),and CuO can promote thermo-oxidation of boron.Compared to pure boron,Tonsetcan be reduced from 569℃to a minimum of 449℃(B/Bi_(2)O_(3)).Infrared temperature measurement in T-jump tests showed that when heated by an electric heating wire at rates from 1000 K/s to 25000 K/s,the ignition temperatures of B/Bi_(2)O_(3) are the lowest,even lower than the melting point of boron oxide.Ignition images and SEM for the products further showed that the high heating rate is beneficial to the rapid reaction of boron powder in the single-particle combustion state.Fuels(B/Bi_(2)O_(3),B/MoO_(3),and B/CuO)were mixed with the oxidant AP and ignited by laser to study the combustion performance.The results showed that B/CuO/AP has the largest flame area,the highest BO_(2) characteristic spectral intensity,and the largest burn rate for powder lines.To combine the advantages of CuO and Bi_(2)O_(3),binary metal oxide(CBO,mass ratio of 3:1)was prepared and the test results showed that CBO can very well improve both ignition and combustion properties of boron.Especially B/CBO/AP has the highest burn rate compared with all fuels containing other additives.It was found that multi-component metal-oxide additive can more synergistically improve the reaction characteristics of boron powder than unary additive.These findings contribute to the development of boron-rich fuels and their application in propellants.