Immersion time effects on composite propellant burn rate

Acoustic Emission Strandburner is one of popular methods to measure the solid propellant burn rate. Immersion is a critical factor, as HTPB-based propellants contain ammonium perchlorate, a water-soluble oxidizer. This study aims to evaluate the effect of short-time immersion in water on propellant burn rate. Propellant samples were tested under three conditions: without immersion (normal condition), after 60 seconds of immersion, and after 120 seconds of immersion. The results showed that the burn rate at a chamber pressure of 2–6 MPa ranged from 5.38 – 8.36 mm/s, 5.60–7.93 mm/s, and 5.38 – 8.35 mm/s for normal condition, 60 seconds immersion, and 120 seconds immersion, respectively. Statistical analysis using a one-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in burn rate among the three conditions. These findings indicate that short-term immersion in water does not significantly affect the combustion performance of the propellant..