Reaction Mechanism in the Dark Zone

Propellant NC Basic composition TMETN TECDN EC c Additives PbSa CuSa  

Note catalyzed L additives are particles of PbSa and CuSa both 10 pm in diameter catalyzed S additives are particles of PbSa and CuSa both 3 pm in diameter. 

---

With laser augmentation at 1 atm, HMX will exhibit a dark zone temperature plateau similar to NC/NG at 1300 to 1500 K. In this case, the single-step gas reaction can be applied to the primary flame the secondary flame will have no appreciable effect on steady burning rate, as in NC/NG. If it is desired to simulate the secondary flame, a more complex kinetic mechanism (at least two-step) must be considered. Complex chemical kinetics models have shown the ability to simulate the two-stage gas flame structure of RDX under laser irradiation. (However, complex chemistry models still have difficulty in predicting the correct temperature sensitivity of HMX, as noted below.)... 

---