THE EFFECT OF LEAD STEARATE ON THE THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF A PROPELLANT

Using the heat of explosion test, the role of lead stearate in the combustion process is examined. It is shown that lead stearate affects the strand burning rate and the heat of explosion in a similar manner. (The comparison between heat of explosion values and strand burner results can only be made after the proper corrections are incorporated. Chemical analysis confirm the calorimetric results, indicating that lead stearate affects the chemistry of the combustion process. It is shown that although lead stearate increases the radiant energy of the propellant flame this energy does not significantly affect the temperature of the propellant beneath the burning surface. (Author) Presented at the Symposium on Theories of Combustion and Mechanism of Catalytic Activity in Propellant Combustion, 6 May 65, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.