Abstract
Caldwell APS‑DART‑1.2 is a contained experimental platform for determining whether a distinct amorphous-silica exterior reduces heterogeneous chlorine activation on alumina particles relevant to solid-rocket exhaust.
The program first tests a characterized coated reference against untreated alumina, handling controls, physical mixtures, and amorphous silica. Manufacturing development then compares conventional and vortex-assisted processing, single and staged silica addition, and particle-size-dependent treatment requirements.
The platform combines surface characterization, aluminum and silicon mass accounting, particle-size and surface-area measurements, population-level incomplete-treatment tests, separately characterized incomplete coatings, atmospheric aging, and direct measurement of chlorine-containing products.
A dedicated chlorine-recovery check distinguishes suppressed chlorine formation from chlorine adsorption or loss in the sample, reactor, or sampling lines. Manufacturing comparisons include measured flow, pressure drop, residence-time distribution, temperature, and energy consumption.
A later contained aerosol module investigates delivery to airborne particles. No operational propellant modification, rocket flight installation, atmospheric release, or demonstrated ozone benefit is claimed.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Caldwell, Michael Victor Mr., "CALDWELL APS‑DART‑1.2 Surface-Isolated Silica Treatment of Rocket-Relevant Alumina: A Coverage-Heterogeneity, Aging, and Direct Chlorine-Activation Research Platform", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/12645