The Effect of Different Copper Salts on the Mechanical and Ballistic Characteristics of Double Base Rocket Propellants

This paper discusses the enhancement in the ballistic performance of double base rocket propellants (DBRPs) by the addition of different copper salts vs lead salts as burning rate modifiers through stable combustion and the formation of a plateau region in the low pressure region. Compositions based on DBRPs containing different percentages of lead stearate and different types of copper salts were prepared and studied. For comparison, a conventional DBRP was studied. The ignition temperature and heat of combustion were determined experimentally, and the mechanical properties were measured and evaluated. The performance in terms of ballistic characteristics (burning rate, operating pressure) were measured at different throat diameters (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 mm) and at different temperatures (−20 and 50 °C). Specific impulses were calculated using the ICT thermodynamic code. The experimental data from the proportional study indicate that the compositions containing the studied burning rate modifiers are superior to the original DBRP in respect of ballistic performance and mechanical properties.