P. W. M. Jacobs

Bio: P. W. M. Jacobs is an academic researcher from University of Western Ontario. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thermal decomposition & Ammonium perchlorate. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 98 citations.

Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition of Cubic Ammonium Perchlorate

Abstract: The methods of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimettry (DSC) have been used to study the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). TGA curves obtained under both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions show a characteristic slowdown at the extents of conversion, α = 0.30−0.35. DSC demonstrates that in this region the process changes from an exothermic to an endothermic regime. The latter is ascribed to dissociative sublimation of AP. A new computational technique (advanced isoconversional method) has been used to determine the dependence of the effective activation energy (Eα) on α for isothermal and nonisothermal TGA data. At α > 0.1, the Eα dependencies obtained from isothermal and nonisothermal data are similar. By the completion of decomposition (α → 1) the activation energy for the isothermal and nonisothermal decomposition respectively rises to ∼110 and ∼130 kJ mol-1, which are assigned to the activation energy of sublimation. The initial decomposition (α → ...

Observations of turbulent reattachment behind an axisymmetric downstream-facing step in supersonic flow.

Abstract: Supersonic flow over a downstream-facing step on the circumference of a large, ducted, axisymmetric body was used to study flow reattachment. Step heights h were 0.25, 1.00, and 1.68 in., compared to a body radius of 6 in. Freestream Mach numbers were in the range 2 to 4.5. Theturbulent boundary-layer thickness just ahead of the step varied from 0.14 to 0.19 in. (momentum thicknesses of about 0.01 in.). Surface pressure distributions throughout the region of separation and reattachment were measured, and points of reattachment were determined. Comparison of the shapes of the pressure distributions for various step heights shows that the initial (steepest) parts of the reattachment pressure rise, up to the point of reattachment, tend to become superimposed when plotted against x/h. Downstream reattachment the curves branch out, exhibiting a dependence on geometry and probably on initial shear layer profile. In the region of the initial pressure rise (near the end of the "dead air" region) dynamic pressures are low; the pressure rise there apparently is balanced by turbulent shear stress.