A study on closed-bomb method of validating energetic components

Abstract

Reliability and limitations of closed-bomb test, a commonly used method of validating energetic components (cartridges) designed to be functioned in pyrotechnic actuators, are investigated. Acceptable performance criteria of several existing cartridges in the form of closed-bomb pressure-time requirements are considered. An analytical model is used to demonstrate that the closed-bomb requirements for the cartridges in study are either excessively conservative or inadequate to ensure that these cartridges will provide satisfactory performance when they are functioned in their respective actuators even though they may meet their closed-bomb requirements. It is suggested that in general the closed-bomb method to validate energetic components should be used with a caution and that the design of the closed-bombs must include features that reflect the dynamic characteristics of the actuators for which the energetic components are designed. © 2004 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.