The role of Moessbauer spectroscopy in the determination of the leading zone during combustion of double-base rocket propellants with catalysts

The mechanism of combustion of double-base rocket propellants containing iron and tin oxides was studied. By means of Moessbauer spectroscopy it has been established that the essential accumulation of the catalysts and the partial reduction of the initial oxides occurred in the zone above the combustion surface. The efficiency of additives action is influenced by SnO2 and α-Fe2O3 concentrations in this zone. The calculation of the heat balance showed the zone above the combustion surface to be the leading zone during combustion of the propellants containing the catalysts. (orig.)