ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns the adiabatic properties of fourteen thermitic systems involving twoactinide elements—thorium (Th) and uranium (U). Binary combinations of thorium or uranium and MnO2, CuO, PbO2, or Bi2O3 are characterized by pyrotechnic adiabatic temperatures. These exothermic combinations are otherwise known as actinide metal-based thermite compositions or thorium- or uranium-based thermites. Some uranium oxides such as U3O8 and UO3 appear to be viable pyrotechnic oxidizers with respect to metallic fuels such magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al). The thermochemical descriptions within this chapter were derived from the FactPS and FToxid databases of FactSage 7.0. Each section contains one or twogeneral figures as well as written descriptions of certain fuel-to-oxidizer ratios. Temperature points describe features and points of interest along adiabatic temperature profiles. Similarly, gas points refer to adiabatic gas production profiles. Some adiabatic temperature charts contain flat regions where the adiabatic temperature remains constant despite variations in the stoichiometry of the system. Some of these temperature plateaus are described and explained.
