Burning surface formation mechanism of laser-controlled 5-aminotetrazole propellant

As an innovative propulsion technique, combustion mechanism of laser-augmented chemical propulsion has still to be ascertained. Benefiting from high nitrogen content and thermal stability, 5-aminotetrazole is a suitable ingredient for LACP. Under a flowing nitrogen environment, two kinds of unique burning surfaces were observed to occur for 5-ATZ, used as a single reacting propellant ingredient with the addition of carbon, under laser ablation. Both surfaces are hollow structures and differ by the possible presence of edges. Using micro computed tomography, the 3D perspective structures of both surfaces were revealed. Resorting to various characterization methods, a unified formation mechanism for both surfaces is proposed. This mechanism specifically applies to laser ablation, but could be crucial to common burning mechanisms in LACP. •Laser power allows combustion of non-self-sustaining propagation waves.•Two kinds of unique burning surface formed under laser ablation.•Micro Computed Tomography revealed intact 3D perspective structures.•Unified formation mechanism is proposed for both kinds of burning surface.•Combustion mechanism is discrepant after introducing external laser radiation.