Group Combustion of Dispersed Spherical Core–Shell Nanothermite Particles

Abstract

The group combustion characteristics of core–shell nanothermite particles differ from other dispersed solid or liquid fuels. In a core–shell structure, each discrete nanothermite particle can undergo an exothermic reaction as the oxygen atoms in the metal oxide shell undergo a solid state diffusion to oxidize the metal core. This feature allows the spherical core–shell nanothermites to react in the absence of gaseous oxygen, thus modifying their group combustion characteristics compared to char or liquid fuels. Using a number of simplifying assumptions, a theoretical framework was established—based on existing group combustion theory—to examine the characteristics of mass and heat diffusion in nanothermite combustion. First, a model for the quasi-steady state single-particle combustion, in quiescent air, was established. The isolated particle combustion theory serves as the basis for the combustion interaction and mass transfer in a spherical cloud of dispersed nanothermite particles. The type of group combustion is strongly dependent on the diffusion of vapour products, i.e., the interaction is more pronounced when the diffusion of vapour products is higher. The group combustion regimes in dispersed nanothermites were identified and delineated.