The International Symposium on Special Topics in Chemical Propulsion is a unique conference that brings together scientists and engineers from academia, research laboratories, and industry to exchange knowledge on relevant topics in energetic materials and chemical propulsion. The symposia address recent advances in various areas of ignition and combustion of energetic materials, including the areas of novel diagnostics and experimentation; synthesis, manufacturing, and materials; theory, modeling and simulation; nanotechnology; safety enhancement; environmental impact; and commercial applications. These advancements cover experimental, theoretical, and numerical areas. A goal of the symposia is to address technological gaps that still exist in the combustion of energetic materials. The first symposium was held in 1970 in Athens Greece and the next eleven followed on a nearly biannual schedule. The Twelfth International Symposium on Special Topics in Chemical Propulsion (12-ISICP) was originally planned to take place in Santander, Spain from 20-22 October 2020. However, because of COVID-19, the meeting was held virtually from 23-25 March 2021.
13-ISICP will be held at the Hotel Strand Gjøvik in Gjøvik, Norway from 30 May to 2 June 2023 and hosted by Nammo. Scientists, researchers, and engineers interested in the synthesis, ignition, combustion, and detonation of energetic materials with applications for propulsion, demolition, power generation, and warheads are invited to attend and participate in this event. The symposium will include oral and poster presentations.
13-ISICP has several major objectives. These are: 1) to promote communication between researchers, designers, and manufacturers regarding state-of-the-art approaches in the field of propellants and combustion; 2) to discuss new and improved safety techniques in the combustion of energetic materials; and 3) to recommend future directions for research in combustion and chemical reaction systems. The Symposium also addresses pressing global issues such as: a) the resolution of environmental issues in the combustion of energetic materials; b) the need for economical utilization of finite fuel resources; c) the production of power using existing or newly synthesized energetic materials; and d) the development of adequate techniques for disposal of surplus propellants and explosives for demilitarization purposes. Specific technical areas include the following:
- Nano Technology and Innovative Methods in Energetic Material (EM) Development
- Synthesis and Characterization of EMs
- Formulation, Processing, and Manufacturing of EMs
- Insensitive Munitions
- Hazard Reduction and Safety Aspects
- Theoretical Modelling and Numerical Simulation for CP (Chemical Propulsion) and EM
- Performance Evaluation of EMs
- Aging, Stability, and Compatibility
- Recycling, Disposal, and Environmental Aspects
- Test Methods and Diagnostic Techniques in CP and/or Combustion of EMs
- Ignition and Initiation Processes
- Detonation and/or Deflagration Processes
- Enhanced Blast and Thermites
- Innovative Rocket Propulsion
- Rocket Thermal Protection Materials, which may include associated liner &/or bonding with propellant
- Environmentally Friendly “Green” Propellants
- Commercial Applications of EMs
- Performance of Advanced Propulsion Systems
- Ramjet and Scramjet Propulsion
- Propellants and Combustion