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Linear Actuation Using Milligram Quantities of CL‐20 and TAGDNAT
Author(s) -
Tappan Alexander S.,
Basiliere Marc,
Ball J. Patrick,
Snedigar Shane,
Fischer Gary J.,
Salton Jonathan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.56
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1521-4087
pISSN - 0721-3115
DOI - 10.1002/prep.201000025
Subject(s) - propellant , actuator , ignition system , materials science , nuclear engineering , explosive material , combustion , pyrotechnics , kinetic energy , transducer , stroke (engine) , mechanics , mechanical engineering , control theory (sociology) , acoustics , chemistry , aerospace engineering , engineering , computer science , physics , electrical engineering , control (management) , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence
There are numerous applications for small‐scale actuation utilizing pyrotechnics and explosives. In certain applications, especially when multiple actuation strokes are needed, or actuator reuse is required, it is desirable to have all gaseous combustion products with no condensed residue in the actuator cylinder. Toward this goal, we have performed experiments on utilizing milligram quantities of high explosives to drive a millimeter‐diameter actuator with a stroke of 30 mm. Calculations were performed to select proper material quantities to provide 0.5 J of actuation energy. This was performed utilizing the thermochemical code Cheetah to calculate the impetus for numerous propellants and to select quantities based on estimated efficiencies of these propellants at small scales. Milligram quantities of propellants were loaded into a small‐scale actuator and ignited with an ignition increment and hot wire ignition. Actuator combustion chamber pressure was monitored with a pressure transducer and actuator stroke was monitored using a laser displacement meter. Total actuation energy was determined by calculating the kinetic energy of reaction mass motion against gravity. Of the materials utilized, the best performance was obtained with a mixture of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) and bis‐triaminoguanidinium(3,3′dinitroazotriazolate) (TAGDNAT).