Volume 106
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Time dependent behaviors and formulation comparison of solid propellants based on discrete element method
Yu Pan, Xihua Chu *, Li Xiao
Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
10.1016/j.partic.2025.08.019
Volume 106, November 2025, Pages 81-98
Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
E-mail: chuxh@whu.edu.cn

Highlights

• Modified soft-bond model based on the rate process theory is implemented.

• Time dependent behaviors of two types of propellants samples are simulated.

• Formulation design of solid propellants is explored.


Abstract

Solid propellant is a high-energy composite material composed of solid particles, which can exhibit time dependent behaviors such as creep and stress relaxation during long-term storage. To model and analyze time dependent behavior of solid propellants, the modified soft-bond model (MSBM) based on the rate process theory (RPT) was implemented in Particle Flow Code (PFC). Numerical results show the predicted creep and stress relaxation behaviors by MSBM are in good agreement with experimental data, demonstrating that the MSBM can accurately capture time dependent behaviors in solid propellants. Furthermore, three categories of DEM samples were generated by varying formulations such as particle size, volume fraction and gradation, and a damage parameter was constructed to assess the characteristics of creep and stress relaxation. Among all formulations, the DEM simulation identified the graded formulation exhibiting the minimal damage parameter and optimal creep and stress relaxation resistance. These findings provide guidance for formula design of solid propellant.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Solid propellant; Time dependent behaviors; Modified soft-bond model; Rate process theory; Formula design