Combustion velocities and propagation mechanisms of metastable interstitial composites

Combustion velocities were experimentally determined for nanocomposite thermite powders composed of aluminum (Al) fuel and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) oxidizer under well-confined conditions. Pressures were also measured to provide detailed information about the reaction mechanism. Samples of three different fuel particle sizes (44, 80, and 121 nm) were analyzed to determine the influence of particle size on combustion velocity. Bulk powder density was varied from approximately 5% to 10% of the theoretical maximum density (TMD). The combustion velocities ranged from approximately 600 to 1000 m/s. Results indicate that combustion velocities increase with decreasing particle size. Pressure measurements indicate that strong convective mechanisms are integral in flame propagation. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.