Modelling Capability for Aging of Gun Propellants

Conventional propellants contain nitrocellulose (NC) which is intrinsically unstable and degrades at rates dependant on factors such as their composition or storage temperature. Unfavourable conditions could reduce the service life of munitions, leading to spontaneous ignition and unplanned explosions. Understanding, measuring and predicting the degradation mechanisms under different conditions is vital for the safe storage of munitions.

This research project will look at the ageing behaviour of the NC-based propellants. Their decomposition will be investigated by monitoring the stabilisers depletion rate. These stabilisers are present in the formulation to react with decomposition gases produced, known to catalyse the decomposition.

Other stability tests will be used to understand the effect of various parameters from storage. Once data have been collected, they will help develop kinetic models to predict the storage life of the propellants and potentially extend their service life.