RECENT ADVANCES IN ELECTROTHERMAL-CHEMICAL GUN PROPULSION AT UNITED-DEFENSE, LP

Electrothermal-chemical (ETC) propulsion uses an electrical energy pul se as a means of initiating and, in some cases, controlling the combus tion of propellant charges. The electrical energy pulse is generated b y a pulse-forming network (PFN) and is dissipated within the gun in th e form of a plasma. The high-energy density plasma resulting from the electrical energy dissipation has been demonstrated to be highly effec tive in ignition of solid and liquid propellant charges. Variations in electrical dissipation rate have been shown to affect propellant gasi fication rate and, therefore, pressurization throughout the ballistic cycle. This paper discusses recent development results at United Defen se, L.P., in the areas of ETC solid propellant ignition and performanc e improvement, ETC temperature compensation, and a high-performance hy brid liquid/solid propellant ETC charge.