Abstract

Propellants are mixtures of chemical compounds that produce large volumes of high temperature gas at controlled, predetermined rates, and can sustain combustion in the absence of atmospheric oxygen. Principle applications are in the launching of projectiles from guns, rockets, and missile systems. Propellant-actuated devices are used to drive turbines, move pistons, pump fluids, shear bolts and wires, eject pilots and jettison stores from aircraft, and act as a source of heat in special devices. Solid propellants are compact, have a long storage life, and may be handled and used without exceptional precautions.

Propellants, most often based on nitrocellulose, also contain an oxidizer, binder, and sometimes a metallic fuel. Double-based propellants also have liquid energetic plastizers. Triple-based propellants contain crystalline additives. Composition, properties, and manufacture of the various propellants are described. Nonconventional propulsion methods are also discussed.