Burn rates in nano-composite energetic materials

Burn rates were experimentally determined for nanocomposite thermite powders composed of aluminum (Al) fuel and molybdenum tri-oxide (M0O3) oxidizer under wellconfined conditions. Confined pressures were also measured to provide detailed information about the reaction. Samples of three different fuel particle sizes (44, 80, and 121 nm) were analyzed to determine the influence of particle size on bum rate. Bulk powder density was varied from approximately 5 to 10 percent of the theoretical maximum density (TMD). The bum rates ranged from approximately 600 to 1000 m/s. Results indicate that bum rate increased with decreasing particle size. Pressure measurements indicate the strong convective and possibly acoustic shock mechanisms are integral in flame propagation.