Detailed Effects of Slight Changes
- Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃): Increasing KNO₃ boosts oxidation and reaction speed, leading to higher pressure and faster combustion. Too much can over-oxidize and destabilize the mix. Decreasing slows the reaction and reduces output.
- Aluminum: Increasing aluminum raises thermal output, increases heat and gas expansion, and makes the reaction more aggressive. Reducing aluminum softens the reaction and decreases peak temperature.
- Sulfur: Increasing sulfur lowers ignition temperature, speeds burn initiation, and makes ignition easier, but raises risk of accidental ignition. Lower sulfur content improves stability but makes ignition harder.
- Sugar: Higher sugar content increases gas production and helps with ignition continuity. Too much can slow down burn rate and reduce power. Less sugar can make the mixture harder to light but slightly cleaner burning.
Each 1% change from the baseline can meaningfully impact the reaction profile. Positive shifts make reactions more energetic, while negative shifts dampen performance and increase safety margins. Balance is key.