So then Ric, you are saying that the oxidizer is contained in and is part of the propellant ?......
...........then once combustion is initiated, it could be a good way to burn in space ?......it would override the need for hypergolics then, or is it a form of that ?......and on second though, I guess not, as the " ignite on contact" properties of hypergolics wouldn't allow any storage of the fuels until needed.........?
My appologies for straying the original thread...but I was thirsty for info......the concept of the dark continent of Africa being camouflaged as lunar proximity is a neat one....good going on the developers part !
Yes,
The propellant mixture in each SRB motor consists of an ammonium perchlorate (oxidizer, 69.6 percent by weight), aluminum (fuel, 16 percent), iron oxide (a catalyst, 0.4 percent), a polymer (a binder that holds the mixture together, 12.04 percent), and an epoxy curing agent (1.96 percent). The propellant is an 11-point star- shaped perforation in the forward motor segment and a double- truncated- cone perforation in each of the aft segments and aft closure. This configuration provides high thrust at ignition and then reduces the thrust by approximately a third 50 seconds after lift-off to prevent overstressing the vehicle during maximum dynamic pressure.
The SRB, once "ignited" cannont be switched off, so in that sense "hypergolics" is the right word I guess. The SRB's are stored at a remote facility....away from naked flames!
Ric B.
