Development and Parametric Study of B/BaCrO₄/FG Pyrotechnic Delay Composition

ABSTRACT

Studies were undertaken to develop and experimentally investigate the effect of Boron content, Fish Glue (binder) and ambient temperature on the charge consumption and burning rate of Boron/Barium chromate/Fish Glue (B/BaCrO₄/FG) pyrotechnic delay composition in short delay devices together with measurement of exothermicity of delay composition at different fuel/oxidizer ratios. The Boron content was varied from 5% to 45%, while Fish Glue content varied from 0% to 3.0%. The measured burning rate and charge consumption increased with increasing in Boron content until maximum values of burning rate and charge consumption were recorded at 18% boron. Similarly, both burning rate and charge consumption decreased with an increase in binder content and minimum values of these parameters were recorded at 3.0% Fish Glue. The calorific value of this delay mixture also increased with an increase in Boron content until maximum calorific value recorded at about 15% Boron. The composition failed to ignite by the calorimeter as well as by the igniter at Boron contents above 40%. The delay composition filled in delay tubes was then subjected to functional tests after conditioning at a temperature of +70°C, +21°C, and –40°C. The burning rate decreased with decreasing the ambient temperature.

KEYWORDS:

• Ambient temperature
• Binder
• Burning rate
• Charge consumption
• Delay composition