Effect of RDX and HMX on the Efficiency of Catalysts for Double–Base Propellant Combustion

High explosives (RDX or HMX) are added to double–base propellant formulations to improve their energy characteristics. The influence of these HE on the catalysis of propellant combustion practically has not been discussed in the literature. The present paper considers the role of RDX and HMX in the catalysis of double–base propellant combustion. Propellants having various compositions and energy characteristics were studied experimentally. It is established that RDX and HMX decrease the burning rate of double–base propellants (without catalysts) with moderate and high calorific values irrespective of their effect on the energy and combustion characteristic of the propellants. It is shown that if the burning rate of a propellant is affected by catalysts, the addition of RDX or HMX to this propellant (in excess of 100%) does not decrease the relative efficiency of catalysis but even increases it somewhat.