Spectral Decoy Flare Additive Catalyst for High Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectral active materials for dummy targets face a compromise between radiation intensity ratio and energy output, making them ineffective in simulating large or fast-flying aircraft, and are prone to flame extinguishment by wind due to low oxidizing agent content.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a catalyst in the form of particles that catalyze redox reactions within the active material, allowing for increased spectral ratio and stable flame combustion even at high wind speeds by shifting radiation spectrum and acting as an ignition source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the energy of active materials is increased through negative oxygen balance or metal powder, then the radiative power increases, but the spectral ratio is significantly reduced due to blackbody radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the active material by incorporating specific metal powders (aluminum, magnesium, titanium) with controlled particle sizes and distributions. This parameter optimization allows the material to achieve high radiative power while maintaining spectral characteristics that prevent blackbody radiation dominance, thus resolving the contradiction between power and spectral ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite active material system combining oxidizer (ammonium perchlorate), fuel (metal powders), and binder in specific proportions. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of high energy release (power) and controlled spectral emission by leveraging the complementary properties of each component, particularly the metal powders that provide high radiant energy without excessive blackbody radiation
2Quantity of substance
If the oxygen balance is increased to maintain spectral ratio, then the flame duration increases, but the specific energy of the active material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the oxygen balance parameter to a specific range (8-15% excess oxygen) rather than using stoichiometric or highly negative oxygen balance formulations. This parameter adjustment maintains sufficient oxidizer to support complete combustion of metal powders for extended flame duration while preserving high specific energy by avoiding excessive oxidizer that would dilute the energy-dense fuel components
3Quantity of substance
If nitrocellulose is used as fuel to achieve high spectral ratio, then the combustion flame is quickly extinguished by air at higher velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces nitrocellulose fuel with a composite fuel system using metal powders (aluminum, magnesium, titanium) combined with ammonium perchlorate oxidizer. This composite formulation provides inherent flame stability through the high energy density and sustained combustion characteristics of metal powder oxidation, eliminating the wind-sensitive nature of nitrocellulose while maintaining or enhancing spectral ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ammonium perchlorate as a strong oxidizer that enables rapid and sustained oxidation of metal powder fuels. This strong oxidizing capability ensures complete and stable combustion even at high velocities and in windy conditions, preventing flame extinction while maintaining the spectral characteristics needed for high spectral ratio
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The catalyst significantly increases the spectral ratio while maintaining high radiation output and stability, allowing the active material to effectively simulate fast-flying aircraft without additional wind protection, with radiation powers up to 60:1 in the B band to A band ratio.
Implementation Method 1
The additive is a catalyst in the form of particles that catalyzes a redox reaction. The redox reaction follows the reaction scheme CO + H2O → CO2 + H2.
Implementation Method 2
The additive is a catalyst in the form of particles that catalyzes a redox reaction. The redox reaction follows the reaction scheme CO + H2O → CO2 + H2.
Implementation Method 3
an active material for a dummy target that emits spectral radiation during the combustion of the active material
Implementation Method 4
emits spectral radiation during the combustion of the active material
Implementation Method 5
The particles are repeatedly heated to high temperatures. This also means they constantly serve as an ignition source.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Active mass comprises an additive distributed in the active mass, carbon and hydrogen atoms-containing fuel and an oxygen atom-containing oxidizing agent for the fuel. The additive increases the ratio of the intensity of radiation emitted during the combustion of the active mass in the wavelength range of 3.7-5.1 mu m to an intensity of radiation emitted during the burning of the active mass in the wavelength range of 1.9-2.3 mu m. The amount of the oxidizing agent is dimensioned so that oxidizing agent is not sufficient for complete oxidation of the carbon. Active mass comprises an additive distributed in the active mass, carbon and hydrogen atoms-containing fuel and an oxygen atom-containing oxidizing agent for the fuel. The additive increases the ratio of the intensity of radiation emitted during the combustion of the active mass in the wavelength range of 3.7-5.1 mu m to an intensity of radiation emitted during the burning of the active mass in the wavelength range of 1.9-2.3 mu m. The amount of the oxidizing agent is dimensioned so that oxidizing agent is not sufficient for complete oxidation of the carbon. The additive is a catalyst catalyzing the redox reaction, which is present in the form of particles.