Modeling of smokeless powders shelf life using results of multi-temperature study on stabilizer consumption

Abstract

The paper aims to create models of stabilizer depletion in smokeless powders as a background for optimisation of smokeless propellants stability testing in the Czech Armed Forces. It presents results of first half of an ageing study of different propellants in stock stabilized with DPA, AKA-II and EC at temperature range from $40^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ to $70^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$. Thus resulting kinetic parameters should correspond with kinetic parameters valid in storage temperature range from $10^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ to $30^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ enabling to make reliable models of stabilizer depletion during storage. AKA-II shows very low order of reaction and high activation energy leading to considerably long shelf life but harsh stabilizer depletion when the end of shelf life is nearing. Propellants stabilized by DPA shows common values of kinetic parameters and pretty predictable primary stabilizer depletion. EC shows very low reactivity and thus very long shelf life. On the other hand its stabilizing ability is unsure and so other stability test might be needed to confirm safety.