Ballistic Analysis of Electrothermal-Chemical (ETC) Propellant.

Abstract : Firings performed under the alternate electrothermal-chemical (ETC) propellant materials contract with the Olin Corporation investigated a number of propellants using both conventional and plasma driven combustion. The objectives of this paper are to utilize the test series to examine: (1) ignition characteristics of plasma driven propellants; (2) pressurization rates of propellants under the influence of a plasma; (3) control of the gas generation rate in the gun with a plasma; (4) efficiency of the material in performing work on the projectile; and (5) comparison of the combustion characteristics of propellants with and without a plasma.