Research Group Combustion and Pyrotechnics

In the field of combustion and pyrotechnics, the research focuses on the application of explosives – ranging from characterization and qualification through modeling and simulation to system development.

Modeling and simulation aim to understand the behavior of the energy systems under investigation through a simplified chemical-physical description and to make predictions based on this understanding. This leads to a deeper understanding of the system and the ability to adapt it for specific applications.

Furthermore, specialized evaluation models support the experimental work involved in qualification and characterization, thereby making physical quantities that cannot be measured directly accessible. This opens up new possibilities for system description and characterization.

Range of services

• Modeling of ignition, reaction, and radiation behavior in the implementation of energetic materials
• Modeling of particulate reactive systems such as thermite and solid rocket propellants
• Development and implementation of evaluation models for burn-up studies

Our core areas of work include the characterization of conversion and performance properties, as well as safety investigations of propellants, explosives, and related systems. In addition to standardized tests, we develop and implement test setups and measurement techniques tailored to specific research questions in close collaboration with our customers. Furthermore, we offer all analytical methods necessary for the characterization of energetic materials.

Range of services

• Spectroscopy of combustion processes, temperature measurement, and species identification
• High-speed camera systems
• Analytical measurement techniques for density, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, decomposition kinetics, and oxidation kinetics
• Reaction monitoring and quality management of energetic materials

Results from fundamental characterization, modeling, and simulation form the basis for the application-specific design, sizing, and manufacturing of energy systems and system components. The performance characterization of the systems is carried out using sophisticated measurement methods, either based on standard tests or customer-specific tests.

Range of services

• Development, Characterization, and Testing of Pyrotechnic Assemblies
• Research into New Liquid, Gel, and Solid Rocket Propellants for Civil and Defense Applications

The infrastructure enables testing ranging from the laboratory scale to the kilogram range. Various intrinsically safe test benches with different configurations are available. They are used in particular to simulate failure conditions and identify worst-case scenarios.

• Optical pressure cells
• High-speed camera systems
• High-speed spectroscopy from UV to MIR and Raman