Laboratory Combustion Testing Setup
Bench-scale combustion experiments were conducted to characterize the green-flame propellant's combustion behavior. A small laboratory burner apparatus was constructed with integrated exhaust gas sampling and spectroscopic analysis capability. Initial tests were designed to measure specific impulse and analyze combustion products.
Unexpected Spectroscopic Results
Flame spectroscopy revealed unexpected absorption and emission lines inconsistent with the theoretical combustion model. The characteristic green flame color was observed, but spectroscopic analysis showed additional absorption features at wavelengths not accounted for by the predicted combustion products. Gas chromatography of exhaust samples identified unidentified chemical species comprising 8-12% of exhaust composition.
Incomplete Reaction Concerns
Further analysis suggested incomplete combustion of the green-flame metal compounds. Partial oxidation products were detected in exhaust, indicating side reactions or incomplete fuel oxidation. The combustion efficiency appeared lower than theoretical predictions. Laboratory testing with varied oxidizer ratios showed that exhaust composition changed significantly, suggesting a complex, multi-step combustion mechanism not fully understood.
Hazard Assessment and Next Steps
The unidentified exhaust products require toxicological assessment before any ground testing is considered. Laboratory work is focused on identifying the unknown species through mass spectrometry and chemical analysis. Combustion mechanism studies are underway to understand the incomplete reaction pathways. Additional bench-scale testing with modified propellant ratios is planned to optimize combustion completeness and reduce unknown product formation.