Burning Rate Measurement of KNSu Propellant Obtained by Mechanical Press

ABSTRACT:

The potassium nitrate (KNO₃)/sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁) propellant, known as KNSu, is traditionally used in rocket studies by amateur groups. Performance tests of KNSu, whose composition is 65 wt% KNO₃ and 35 wt% C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁, cold-manufactured by mechanical press, are presented in this paper. The study determines the behaviour of density (ρ) and burning rate (r) as function of compression pressure (P_c) for the propellant grain manufacturing. Forty-four samples were prepared and tested, for seven different values of P_c. It was observed that ρ and r depend on P_c, according to quadratic polynomial functions, and the mass flux per unit area is a constant.

KEYWORDS:
Potassium nitrate; Sucrose; KNSu; Experimental rocket motor; Model rocket; Solid propellant