The environmental impact and availability of ingredients are vital for the new generation of rocket propellants. In this context, several novel composite propellants were prepared based on the “greener” oxidizer phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), a micronized aluminum–magnesium alloy fuel, iron oxide powder burn rate modifier, triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) energetic plasticizer and a polyurethane (PU) binder. The novelty of this study is brought by the innovative procedure of synthesizing and combining the constituents of these heterogeneous compositions to obtain high-performance “eco-friendly” rocket propellants. The polymorphism shortcomings brought by ammonium nitrate in these energetic formulations have been solved by its co-crystallization with potassium salts (potassium nitrate, potassium chromate, potassium dichromate, potassium sulphate, potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate). Polyester–polyol blends, resulting from recycled post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glycolysis, were utilized for the synthesis of the polyurethane binder, especially designed for this type of application. To adjust the energetic output and tailor the mechanical properties of the propellant, the energetic plasticizer TEGDN was also involved. The performance and safety characteristics of the novel composites were evaluated through various analytical techniques (TGA, DTA, XRD) and specific tests (rate of combustion, heat of combustion, specific volume, chemical stability, sensitivity to thermal, impact and friction stimuli), according to NATO standards, providing promising preliminary results for further ballistics investigations.

When designing a rocket engine configuration, both in terms of propellant grain, combustion chamber and nozzle geometry, one of the most convenient approach is using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation. Numerical simulation is an alternative method of scientific investigation, which substitutes large number of experiments that often imply high financial burden and are also dangerous for the personnel involved. The numerical approach is often more useful than consecrated experimental method because it provides complete data that cannot be directly observed or measured, or it is difficult to highlight by other means. In this study we focused on applying CFD simulation to composite rocket propellants in a rocket engine with convergent-divergent nozzle configuration using Ansys Fluent Software. An ammonium nitrate (AN) based composite rocket propellant having four components was analyzed: oxidizer, metallic fuel, binder and catalyst agent. Explo5®, a thermochemical software, was also used to calculate the equilibrium compositions of the combustion products in the combustion chamber. It turned out that the results obtained on the basis of the simulation are consistent with those of the experimental testing. The data collected so far will be used to optimize the grain configuration of the composite rocket propellant.

This paper presents a method of recording and analyzing the nonlinear behavior of a vibrating weapon system, especially the barrel with the help of high-speed camera and specialized software. High-speed cameras use high-speed digital video files to extract motion and measure moving objects, gaining a qualitative and quantitative perspective of the experiment. The technique used allows us to visualize and analyze the movement, especially the movement that is too fast for the human eye or which is not perceived by ordinary cameras. The user can make measurements of synchronicity, positioning, distance, speed, angle, and angular velocity, and can track multiple points or objects to calculate and find the two-dimensional coordinates, speed or acceleration. Variation of the kinematic parameters of the weapon is determined by delimiting the regions of interest with markers and analyzing them with Photron Motion Tools. In semi-automatic and automatic firings, as a result of the remaining vibration, recoil and torque, the displacement of the barrel increases, the shooter having no control over the line of sight and the accuracy of the shooting decreases depending on their experience.

Weapons systems are used to gain a tactical, strategic, material or mental advantage over an adversary or enemy target. The modern weapons systems are designed to be technologically complex but practical for operator usage. The firing phenomenon consists of a multitude of mechanical and thermodynamic processes with the result being the movement of the projectile towards a chosen target. The projectile movement from the weapon to the point of impact defines its trajectory. Firing ranges are locations where military personnel is operating certain weapons systems in order to achieve specific results and certain levels of readiness. Due to increasing urbanisation of the areas adjacent to firing ranges, monitoring the projectile trajectory becomes mandatory in order to be able to provide a secure climate for both military personnel and civilians. It is the purpose of the author to provide the numerical simulation tool (a MATLAB application) which is useful for tracking the projectile trajectory from the muzzle of the weapon to the impacted obstacle. By computing the useful information obtained with the internal and external ballistics, the theoretical trajectory of a projectile can be calculated. In order to get the most accurate values, preliminary knowledge is needed. So by using appropriate tools and software, a projectile’s trajectory can be calculated if the correct values are provided (mass, diameter, initial angle, initial speed). The tool created has different weapons-ammunition specifications and initial conditions parameters loaded that can be combined with the existing drag laws known in ballistics (Siacci law, 1930 law or 1943 law) to describe the projectile movement in atmosphere. As obstacles are defined, similar to the ones existing in a firing range, the tool can assess where the impact occurred and is able to display necessary values (impact points coordinates, velocities, impact angles, etc) while also creating 3D and 2D visualisations on the integrated graphic area. This way, the tool can be used to create impact assessments for specific weapons systems and decisions can be made to enhance the security of the firing range and the firing safety. Three different firing range configurations are considered for comparison when using certain small caliber weapons used by NATO countries.