Nature of Unsteady Combustion Behavior of Aluminum‐Based Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether Propellant Under Small Pressure Oscillation Dwisturbance

ABSTRACT In this paper, we examine the chemical reaction behavior of mesoscale Aluminum (Al)‐based Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether (NEPE) propellant under small pressure oscillation disturbances. We have developed a novel kinetic model that comprehensively describes the kinetic mechanisms of solid components and the complex gas interactions in the gas phase. The calculation parameters within this model are meticulously described, and their selection is informed by experimental research conducted by other scholars and our numerical testing. This approach effectively reflects the real‐world combustion scenario of Al‐based NEPE propellant. Furthermore, we introduce a high‐pressure combustion model that incorporates pressure oscillation effects. Our findings indicate that small pressure oscillations have a minimal impact on the combustion response of Al‐based NEPE propellant, accounting for only a 5% variation. Instead, surface heterogeneity emerges as the primary factor influencing combustion response characteristics. Based on these observations, we simulate transient temperature and flame field variations, revealing a distinct jet‐like flame structure across Ammonium Perchlorate (AP)‐ Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine (HMX)‐Binder units and local extinction phenomena. Finally, we propose a detailed mechanism underlying the typical combustion behavior of Al‐based NEPE propellant.