Enhancing the combustion performance of solid propellants by external magnetic field

Propellant combustion under a magnetic field demonstrates significant potential for advancement. This study explores the potential of using magnetic fields to improve combustion performance of solid composite propellants. The experimental setup involved a custom-made apparatus that could adjust the intensity and direction of the magnetic field and laser ignition device. The research demonstrated that applying a magnetic field shortened the ignition delay time, accelerated the burning rate, and improved the propellant's combustion efficiency. Specifically, applying a 196 mT magnetic field reduces ignition delay time from 493.08 ms to 483.68 ms, increased the burning rate from 2.41 mm/s to 2.86 mm/s, and raised combustion efficiency from 82.65 % to 90.15 %. Specific impulse also improved from 2315 N·s/kg to 2347 N·s/kg. The magnetic field's effect was more pronounced in propellants with higher oxidizer content. However, when combustion was perpendicular to the magnetic field direction, the influence slightly diminished. We further investigated the combustion physical mechanism of the propellant under the influence of a magnetic field. The results demonstrate that the magnetic field enhances propellant combustion by reducing the ignition delay time of aluminum particles and lowering the flame height. This discovery offers promising insights for enhancing propellant performance.