Post by etrisani on Jun 5, 2017 13:32:09 GMT -5
Di Aldana EV, Thibault JP, Vargas JF. On the Advantageous Properties of Novel Propellants. "New Elian Journal of Chemistry", March 1759; Pg 24-28. 1758.
Abstract:
Powder-based Propellants based on the chemical compositions of sulfur, charcoal, parafin, and saltpeter, (specifically with an effective composition of 75% Saltpeter, 10% Sulfur, and 15% Charcoal), is the modern variant of choice for the use of conventional munitions1. The modernized composition and ratio is characterized as a low-grade explosive due to its relatively slow rate of decomposition and low brisance, and is retained throughout the use of all small arms regardless of firing rate or caliber, as well as larger ballistic-based munition and cannon1,2. While saltpeter-based gunpowder is effective, its use presents notable hazards and inefficiencies for scaled maneuvers and individual weapon condition. The propensity of the powder to create high ash outputs require extensive and regular maintenance of weapons, especially if considering rifled barrels as opposed to smoother bores. Particular concern exists for weapons with higher rates of fire, as mechanical failures due to significant ash buildup and corrosive fouling is frequent and limits the safety and efficacy of such munitions1,3. The recent synthesis of a another unpowderized propellant has been tested and fine-tuned in composition to achieve similar rates of energy output to saltpeter, all the while displaying favorable properties such as greater stability, increased efficiency, a near total lack of resulting smoke, and in some cases less evidence of strain on weapons. Preparation of this novel compound in conjunction with a burn deterrent and stabilizing compound may allow for the inexpensive production of more inert and efficient munitions.
Background:
The conventional use of saltpeter as the primary energetic deflagrant compound in munitions has led to a broad base of standardization of the material. Despite regular experimentation for favorable results as far as energy and corrosive output, the majority of the resultant decomposition of modern munitions results in solid compounds4. Historically, these have presented little issue with more limited use of firearms in conventional engagements, as these firearms were more often than not muzzle-loaded and regular maintenance was expected. The optimal derived composition, prepared in 1743, entails a ratio of 75% Saltpeter, 10% Sulfur, and 15% Charcoal. Nonetheless, the stability of the compound has been in question ever since and has significantly affected firearm design3,4.
Investigation into other compounds that may serve as propellants have been less than fruitful, as many compounds do not strike a favorable balance between energetic output, inertness, and brisance. While some pyrin-based compounds may meet these criteria, their use would necessitate a significant increase of cost in modern firearm production to account for the internal barrel pressures5. A novel compound has been synthesized that, when paired with a burn deterrent and stabilizer, is the first functional composition of a "smokeless" powder. The formula will hitherto remain unsaid and confidentially kept, but due to the appearance and physical properties of the compound, it will be known in this publication and common parlance as "Flash Cotton." Initial synthesis was achieved at the University of Avigne, in the facilities of the College of Natural Chemistry. Although the proportions are still under development and better alternatives to expensive inflamed magnesium as a deterrant are being sought, this "Flash Cotton" is able to deliver comparable energetic output to conventional gunpowder. Its precipitates are almost entirely gaseous and etheric, resulting in little smoke and virtually no ash, and it relies upon the expansion of these gaseous forms to propel the round. Its final manufacture is less likely to resemble a powderized format in order to increase stability of the compound and maintain homogeneous ratio distributions throughout, another facet of conventional black powder that had been considered responsible for failure3.
Methods:
The specific composition of the Flash Cotton will not be discussed in publication. The rights to the manufacture of the compound belong to the University of Avigne, with a singular exclusive license for limited production. The scope of this publication will instead be to compare the performance of the compound to existing technologies and provide a comprehensive overview of capability and potential for scaled reproduction.
The primary method of evaluation has been empirically derived. Four dozen long-bore rifles (production 1758, Tersonan Arms) were chosen and inspected for faults and to ascertain characteristics indicative of identicality. The caliber of the rifles was chosen to be at 0.30 due to its reliability, popularity, and applicability to a variety of alternative arms. The rifles were arranged in static positions with a careful control of elevation and angle, such that ballistic trajectory would be varied only by environmental factors. The rifles were arranged in an indoor compartment that opened to an outdoor range with designated targets, in order to reduce risk of elemental corrosion or disturbance. Two dozen rifles were allocated as a control for the use of standard saltpeter munitions. The remaining two dozen rifles were intended for the use of the newly-assembled munitions compound, set in identical brass casings as the standard ammunition with identical amounts by mass.
Each rifle was subjected to two-hundred rounds of its intended ammunition, with a ballistically designated target set at one hundred meters. Degree of penetration, accuracy, and precision were all recorded per rifle. State of internal barrel corrosion and fouling deposits were also recorded.
Results:
Of the two-dozen rifles established as the control, only nineteen rifles were able to deliver all two hundred trial rounds. The remainder underwent failures as a result of subsequent fouling, as the rifles were not cleaned in between tests. The mean failure point of continuous rifle fire was at one hundred and seventy rounds, with a standard deviation of fifteen rounds. The performance of the control rifles was also consistently diminished after trial test 120 (+/- 22), with statistical significance. The penetration distance was decreased, and precision suffered.
Of the rifles that performed with the novel Flash Cotton, twenty-three of the rifles remained operational after two hundred rounds; the remaining rifle was deemed to have a mechanical imperfection internal to the striking mechanism. As compared to the control, the rounds produced little to no smoke, and a negligible degree of barrel fouling, as the decomposition materials were predominantly gaseous rather than solid, as in the case of ash derivates from sulphur, charcoal, and saltpeter. These rifles suffered no noticeable decrease in performance, either in terms of penetration distances, accuracy, or precision. Furthermore, while the quantities of compound were kept similar to that of gunpowder, the exit velocity of the rounds were deemed to be on the order of 15-45 m/s higher, due to the resultant ballistics analysis.
(Charts with elaborate schematics and data are attached).
Discussion:
The novel Flash Cotton propellants performed better than their modern saltpeter counterparts in terms of chemical efficiency and energy output. The degree of corrosion, solid precipitate fouling, and mechanical error is greatly decreased with the use of these compounds, resulting in a lessened need for maintenance and a smaller risk of harmful accidents. The detonation velocity of the novel compound was calculated at an estimated 7200/ms (+/-18 m/s), which surpasses initial calculations and the results of the saltpeter munitions. Refined and safe production methods for the compound have not yet been explored, given the stage of the technology, but are anticipated to follow a similar progression, cost, and risk pattern to modern munitions. Further study will be performed on the longevity, long-term inertness, and optimization of compounds based upon the same material compositions. In theory, doubling the base materials with the inclusion of pyrin-based compounds may be able to further increase detonation velocity, but at a risk to the inert characteristics of the compound. Considerations have to be made for the properties of these propellants, as they are able to easily create enormous pressures that may be a risk unto themselves to weapons with thinner barrels or lower quality steel than the tested rifles.
Conflicts of Interest:
The author discloses the conflict of interest in that the di Aldana family is the sole licensee to the chemical composition discussed herein. Rights to the compound are currently owned by the University of Avigne.
(References are attached)
Abstract:
Powder-based Propellants based on the chemical compositions of sulfur, charcoal, parafin, and saltpeter, (specifically with an effective composition of 75% Saltpeter, 10% Sulfur, and 15% Charcoal), is the modern variant of choice for the use of conventional munitions1. The modernized composition and ratio is characterized as a low-grade explosive due to its relatively slow rate of decomposition and low brisance, and is retained throughout the use of all small arms regardless of firing rate or caliber, as well as larger ballistic-based munition and cannon1,2. While saltpeter-based gunpowder is effective, its use presents notable hazards and inefficiencies for scaled maneuvers and individual weapon condition. The propensity of the powder to create high ash outputs require extensive and regular maintenance of weapons, especially if considering rifled barrels as opposed to smoother bores. Particular concern exists for weapons with higher rates of fire, as mechanical failures due to significant ash buildup and corrosive fouling is frequent and limits the safety and efficacy of such munitions1,3. The recent synthesis of a another unpowderized propellant has been tested and fine-tuned in composition to achieve similar rates of energy output to saltpeter, all the while displaying favorable properties such as greater stability, increased efficiency, a near total lack of resulting smoke, and in some cases less evidence of strain on weapons. Preparation of this novel compound in conjunction with a burn deterrent and stabilizing compound may allow for the inexpensive production of more inert and efficient munitions.
Background:
The conventional use of saltpeter as the primary energetic deflagrant compound in munitions has led to a broad base of standardization of the material. Despite regular experimentation for favorable results as far as energy and corrosive output, the majority of the resultant decomposition of modern munitions results in solid compounds4. Historically, these have presented little issue with more limited use of firearms in conventional engagements, as these firearms were more often than not muzzle-loaded and regular maintenance was expected. The optimal derived composition, prepared in 1743, entails a ratio of 75% Saltpeter, 10% Sulfur, and 15% Charcoal. Nonetheless, the stability of the compound has been in question ever since and has significantly affected firearm design3,4.
Investigation into other compounds that may serve as propellants have been less than fruitful, as many compounds do not strike a favorable balance between energetic output, inertness, and brisance. While some pyrin-based compounds may meet these criteria, their use would necessitate a significant increase of cost in modern firearm production to account for the internal barrel pressures5. A novel compound has been synthesized that, when paired with a burn deterrent and stabilizer, is the first functional composition of a "smokeless" powder. The formula will hitherto remain unsaid and confidentially kept, but due to the appearance and physical properties of the compound, it will be known in this publication and common parlance as "Flash Cotton." Initial synthesis was achieved at the University of Avigne, in the facilities of the College of Natural Chemistry. Although the proportions are still under development and better alternatives to expensive inflamed magnesium as a deterrant are being sought, this "Flash Cotton" is able to deliver comparable energetic output to conventional gunpowder. Its precipitates are almost entirely gaseous and etheric, resulting in little smoke and virtually no ash, and it relies upon the expansion of these gaseous forms to propel the round. Its final manufacture is less likely to resemble a powderized format in order to increase stability of the compound and maintain homogeneous ratio distributions throughout, another facet of conventional black powder that had been considered responsible for failure3.
Methods:
The specific composition of the Flash Cotton will not be discussed in publication. The rights to the manufacture of the compound belong to the University of Avigne, with a singular exclusive license for limited production. The scope of this publication will instead be to compare the performance of the compound to existing technologies and provide a comprehensive overview of capability and potential for scaled reproduction.
The primary method of evaluation has been empirically derived. Four dozen long-bore rifles (production 1758, Tersonan Arms) were chosen and inspected for faults and to ascertain characteristics indicative of identicality. The caliber of the rifles was chosen to be at 0.30 due to its reliability, popularity, and applicability to a variety of alternative arms. The rifles were arranged in static positions with a careful control of elevation and angle, such that ballistic trajectory would be varied only by environmental factors. The rifles were arranged in an indoor compartment that opened to an outdoor range with designated targets, in order to reduce risk of elemental corrosion or disturbance. Two dozen rifles were allocated as a control for the use of standard saltpeter munitions. The remaining two dozen rifles were intended for the use of the newly-assembled munitions compound, set in identical brass casings as the standard ammunition with identical amounts by mass.
Each rifle was subjected to two-hundred rounds of its intended ammunition, with a ballistically designated target set at one hundred meters. Degree of penetration, accuracy, and precision were all recorded per rifle. State of internal barrel corrosion and fouling deposits were also recorded.
Results:
Of the two-dozen rifles established as the control, only nineteen rifles were able to deliver all two hundred trial rounds. The remainder underwent failures as a result of subsequent fouling, as the rifles were not cleaned in between tests. The mean failure point of continuous rifle fire was at one hundred and seventy rounds, with a standard deviation of fifteen rounds. The performance of the control rifles was also consistently diminished after trial test 120 (+/- 22), with statistical significance. The penetration distance was decreased, and precision suffered.
Of the rifles that performed with the novel Flash Cotton, twenty-three of the rifles remained operational after two hundred rounds; the remaining rifle was deemed to have a mechanical imperfection internal to the striking mechanism. As compared to the control, the rounds produced little to no smoke, and a negligible degree of barrel fouling, as the decomposition materials were predominantly gaseous rather than solid, as in the case of ash derivates from sulphur, charcoal, and saltpeter. These rifles suffered no noticeable decrease in performance, either in terms of penetration distances, accuracy, or precision. Furthermore, while the quantities of compound were kept similar to that of gunpowder, the exit velocity of the rounds were deemed to be on the order of 15-45 m/s higher, due to the resultant ballistics analysis.
(Charts with elaborate schematics and data are attached).
Discussion:
The novel Flash Cotton propellants performed better than their modern saltpeter counterparts in terms of chemical efficiency and energy output. The degree of corrosion, solid precipitate fouling, and mechanical error is greatly decreased with the use of these compounds, resulting in a lessened need for maintenance and a smaller risk of harmful accidents. The detonation velocity of the novel compound was calculated at an estimated 7200/ms (+/-18 m/s), which surpasses initial calculations and the results of the saltpeter munitions. Refined and safe production methods for the compound have not yet been explored, given the stage of the technology, but are anticipated to follow a similar progression, cost, and risk pattern to modern munitions. Further study will be performed on the longevity, long-term inertness, and optimization of compounds based upon the same material compositions. In theory, doubling the base materials with the inclusion of pyrin-based compounds may be able to further increase detonation velocity, but at a risk to the inert characteristics of the compound. Considerations have to be made for the properties of these propellants, as they are able to easily create enormous pressures that may be a risk unto themselves to weapons with thinner barrels or lower quality steel than the tested rifles.
Conflicts of Interest:
The author discloses the conflict of interest in that the di Aldana family is the sole licensee to the chemical composition discussed herein. Rights to the compound are currently owned by the University of Avigne.
(References are attached)