Development of NEPE-Based Minimum Smoke Propellant with Enhanced Insensitivity

The NEPE propellants with high energetic plasticizers and molecular explosives are very sensitive to shock; thus, high-velocity fragments during storage, transportation, or operation of the propulsion system can lead to a violent explosion.This study aims at developing the NEPE propellants that are insensitive to shock and achieve the AGARD smoke classification of AB by incorporating the insensitive explosive GUDN.Polymers GAP and PCL were used, and the optimal compositions were designed to reach a theoretical specific impulse of at least 230s through the CEA calculation.The content of AP required to meet the secondary smoke classification of B is around 20% for both propellants.The burning rate of the propellants at 1,000 psia exceeds 10 mm/s, and the LSGT results show an insensitive class 1.3. NEPE , , . GUDN AGARD AB NEPE . GAP PCL CEA 230s . B AP 20% , 1,000 psia 10 mm/s , LSGT 1.3 .