GB1450068A - Method and means for the electrical ignition of fluid propellants - Google Patents

Abstract

1450068 Electrical ignition of fluid propellants RHEINMETALL GmbH 17 Dec 1973 [30 Dec 1972] 58246/73 Heading F3C [Also in Division F1] Means for the electrical ignition of fluid propellants comprises a detonating charge compartment accommodated in a detonating charge housing 1 and having chambers 3, 7 therein, the smaller chamber 3 having an electrode 4 and being connected to the chamber 7 through a passage 6, and the chamber 7 containing a system of channels 13. The housing 1 has an electrical connection 10 leading thereto. A ring 2 is provided to insulate the housing 1 from the electrode 4. The latter has a head 4a and is connected to an electricity supply by a contact 9. Funnel-shaped passages 5, 5 lead from the passage 6 to the respective chamber 3 or 7. In use the end of the housing 1 which is adjacent the channels 13 is attached to the charging compartment (not shown) of a weapons launching tube. Fluid propellant is conveyed into the detonating charge compartment of the weapon either via the charging compartment (not shown) or directly via a conduit 8. Electricity supplied to the electrode 4, via the contact 9, initiates the decomposition of the fluid propellant. The funnel-shaped passage 5 which connects the chamber 3 to the passage 6 provides a damming effect so that a conversion of the propellant from the liquid to the gas phase takes place and a gas-bubble is formed in the chamber 3. The gas-bubble has a thermal capacity and energy content great enough to ensure that the decomposition of the fluid propellant present in the chamber 7 will continue until conversion is complete. The intensifying effect of the chamber 7 and of the nest of tubes 13 enables the propellant in the adjacent charging compartment (not shown) to be ignited in an even and a reproducable manner without the use of a priming charge.