Effect of RDX and HMX on the efficiency of catalysts for double-base propellant combustion

High explosives (RDX or HMX) are added to double-base propellant formulatio ns to improve their energy characteristics. The influence of these HE on th e catalysis of propellant combustion practically has not been discussed in the literature. The present paper considers the role of RDX and HMX in the catalysis of double-base propellant combustion. Propellants having various compositions and energy characteristics were studied experimentally. It is established that RDX and HMX decrease the burning rate of double-base prope llants (without catalysts) with moderate and high calorific values irrespec tive of their effect on the energy and combustion characteristic of the pro pellants. It is shown that if the burning rate of a propellant is affected by catalysts, the addition of RDX or HMX to this propellant (in excess of 1 00%) does not decrease the relative efficiency of catalysis but even increa ses it somewhat.