Selection and Optimization of Main Process Parameters in High Pressure Waterjet Clearing HTPB Propellant

In order to ensure safety and efficiency in high pressure waterjet clearing HTPB propellant, the lower limit of outlet pressure was determined as 60MPa according to the compressive strength of HTPB propellant and the upper limit of outlet pressure was determined as 100MPa through ignition mode analysis and temperature rise experiment. Based on the corresponding empirical formula, the optimal target distance under different outlet pressure was calculated. Through the small size propellant clearing experiments, the main process parameters in high pressure waterjet clearing HTPB propellant were optimized. The optimal processing conditions of safe clearing are 100MPa for outlet pressure, 30mm for target distance, 0.25mm for nozzle diameter, 15minutes for single clearing time and thus the corresponding mass loss and clearing efficiency are 263.3g and 17.55g/min respectively.