Measurement of Energy Emitted by Pyrogenic Tablets Used for Ignition of Solid Rocket Propellants

In order to ignite a solid rocket propellant special igniting devices – pyrogenic tablets – must be used. The reported research was aimed at finding the best material for such pyrogenic tablets, which would successfully replace the still frequently used black powder. The measurement of heat, absorbed by the rocket propellant from various kinds of pyrogenic tablets against time, as well as tests of the ignition of the rocket propellant in a stationary engine, were performed. It was concluded, that of all of the mixtures considered, the best material for pyrogenic tablets was a mixture of 25% Zr and 75% KNO3.