Performance prediction of BPN pyrogen-type igniters for rocket motors

TLDR: In this article, performance prediction of BPN-charge pyrogen-type igniters by two theoretical methods is presented and compared with experimental results using the form function technique, the igniter chamber pressure history is calculated by: 1) an approximate isothermal analytical solution of the theoretical model, and 2) a numerical solution of more general case.

Abstract: Performance prediction of BPN-charge pyrogen-type igniters by two theoretical methods is presented and compared with experimental results. Using the form function technique, the igniter chamber pressure history is calculated by: 1) an approximate isothermal analytical solution of the theoretical model, and 2) a numerical solution of the more general case. Five different grain configurations and two BPN pyrotechnic compositions have been studied. The grains consist of one, two, or four large pellets bonded in a row. Good agreement between experimental pressure-time records and corresponding solutions of the theoretical model has been obtained. A parametric study, conducted to reveal the effects of some parameters on igniter performance and prediction validity, is presented. The results may be used for design purposes.