Research on the extraction of aging characteristics from diethylene glycol dinitrate propellant using RGB image processing

Abstract

Diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN) propellant is a key material for powering weapon systems. Research on its aging characteristics is of great significance for ensuring the safety and reliability of weapons. This study systematically analyzed the thermal reaction mechanism of DEGDN propellant using thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry–quadrupole mass spectrometry (TG–DSC–QMS) and investigated the changes in the components of the DEGDN propellant under humidity and temperature aging conditions by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that during the humidity and temperature aging processes, the main aging characteristics of the DEGDN propellant are the continuous loss of nitrate ester plasticizers. Among them, the consumption rate of DEGDN is the fastest, followed by that of nitroglycerin. Further research revealed a significant linear correlation between the color change of the extraction solution and the loss of components in the propellant. Based on these results, this study established a quantitative relationship model between the content of DEGDN and the RGB parameters of the propellant solution, providing new ideas and feasible research directions for the rapid detection of propellant components.