An Introduction to Energetic Materials for Propulsion

Abstract

This chapter is a general introduction to the overall organization of the book and its main topics. Contributions to the volume were collected from authors of 13 countries including those most engaged in space exploration missions. This chapter was assembled with the support of many of the volume contributors and other internationally qualified experts in the field of energetic materials. Highlights of the state-of-the-art and future needs are outlined in a number of areas extending from the classical applications of chemical propulsion (solid, liquid, hybrid, gel) to the collateral areas of unconventional applications and energetic materials Life-Cycle Management. Prospective new energetic materials and new concepts in chemical propulsions are discussed as well as practical problems related to quality control, aging, hazards, impact, disposal, and remediation of the energetic materials in use today or in the near future. For every chapter, a short introduction is given of each included paper in order to help the reader to identify the contributions most suitable for their specific needs or interests. The final book chapter is dedicated to an historical survey of the Russian developments in solid rocket propulsion. No matter how impressive from both a theoretical and experimental viewpoint, for a variety of reasons, they are still little known, if not misunderstood, beyond the national barriers.