Nonhomogeneous Pyrotechnic Active Mass for Infrared Decoy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pyrotechnic infrared glow targets fail to simulate a fast-moving jet aircraft due to stationary spatial effects and excessive radiation in the A-band wavelength range, limiting their ability to mimic an exhaust jet when moving.
Innovation Solution
An active mass comprising a first and second component with a burning rate ratio of at least 2:1, where the first component forms a matrix embedding particles of the second component, ensuring a high spectral ratio of radiation in the B-band to A-band, allowing for a dynamic spatial effect resembling a jet engine's exhaust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional pyrophoric systems or red phosphorus are used to create a stationary spatial effect, then radiation in the A-band (1.8 to 2.6 μm) is enhanced, but the ability to simulate a fast-moving jet aircraft is lost and safety problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The active mass is divided into two distinct components: a first component that provides rapid combustion and a second component that provides sustained spectral radiation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the first component ensures the decoy moves quickly to simulate a jet aircraft, while the second component provides the appropriate radiation signature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite active mass consisting of two different pyrotechnic compositions with complementary properties. The first component (e.g., aluminum powder with oxidizer) provides rapid burn and high velocity, while the second component (e.g., magnesium-based composition) provides strong B-band radiation. Together they create a decoy that both moves like a jet and radiates like jet exhaust.
2Speed
If a moving active mass burns quickly to create a spatial effect, then it appears as a point-shaped radiation source, but it cannot simulate the extended exhaust plume of a jet engine
Solution Approach 1:
The first active mass component is designed to burn rapidly first, propelling the decoy forward at jet-like speeds before the second component ignites. This preliminary action establishes the correct velocity and trajectory to simulate a fast-moving aircraft, after which the second component provides the extended spatial effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic combustion process where the two components ignite at different times and burn at different rates. The first component provides initial rapid combustion for acceleration, while the second component continues burning more slowly to extend the visible trail, creating a dynamic spatial effect that evolves over time rather than remaining static.
3Measurement precision
If the ratio of B-band to A-band radiation is increased to match jet engine signatures, then detection by B-band sensors is improved, but the overall radiation power may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the active mass to achieve the desired spectral ratio. By selecting specific fuel-oxidizer combinations for each component (such as aluminum-based for B-band radiation), the radiation spectrum is tuned to match jet engine exhaust, with the B-band to A-band ratio exceeding 5:1 or 10:1 while maintaining sufficient total power.
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 active mass achieves a spectral ratio of over 10:1, simulating a real jet engine's radiation pattern with adjustable intensity and density, effectively creating a moving exhaust jet effect.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second active mass components each comprise at least one fuel and one oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 2
emits spectrally during combustion emits significantly more radiation with a wavelength of 3.5 to 4.6 μm during combustion, i.e. H. radiation in the so-called B band, as radiation in the range of a wavelength of 1.8 to 2.6 μm, the so-called A band
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
AI summary
Active mass (10) for a pyrotechnic infrared decoy, which exhibits spatial effect and spectrally radiates during combustion, comprises a first active mass component (12) spectrally radiating during combustion and a second active mass component (14) spectrally radiating during combustion. The first- and second active mass components comprise at least one fuel and an oxidizing agent. The active mass is nonhomogeneous such the first active mass component forms a matrix, in which particles formed from the second active mass component are embedded. Active mass (10) for a pyrotechnic infrared decoy, which exhibits spatial effect and spectrally radiates during combustion, comprises a first active mass component (12) spectrally radiating during combustion and a second active mass component (14) spectrally radiating during combustion. The first- and second active mass components comprise at least one fuel and an oxidizing agent. The active mass is nonhomogeneous such the first active mass component forms a matrix, in which particles formed from the second active mass component are embedded. The first- and second active mass components are selected such that the ratio of the combustion rate of the first active mass component to the combustion rate of the second active mass component is 2:1, and the ratio between the specific output of the emitted radiation in the wavelength region of 3.5-4.6 mm to specific output of the emitted radiation in the wavelength region of 1.8-2.6 mm, is 5:1, when combustion of the first- and the second active mass components take place separately in air. An independent claim is also included for use of active mass for producing pyrotechnic infrared decoy moving at a speed of at least 150 m/second, during combustion.