R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

191 Ion Propellants
Non-brisant, i.e. flame ignition, is known as “inflammation”. Brisant
initiators include blasting caps, electric detonators, W Primers and
W Detonating Cords. The initiating shock can be intensified by interposition
of W Boosters, when the charge is insensitive.
Im rocketry, initiation means the functioning of the first element in an
W Igniter Train.
Initiator
A device used as a primary stimulus component in all explosive or
pyrotechnic devices, such as detonator primer or squib, which, on
receipt of proper mechanical or electrical impulse, produces burning or
detonating action. Generally contains a small quantity of sensitive
explosive (W Squib; W Detonator; W Primer; W Bullet Hit Squib).
Instantaneous, Detonator
Momentzünder; détonateur instantané
A detonator that has a firing time essentially of zero seconds as
compared to delay detonators with firing times of from several milliseconds
to several seconds.
Insulation
Isolierung; isolement
Thermal barrier designed to prevent excessive heat transfer from hot
combustion products to case of rocket.
Ion Propellants
Ionentreibstoffe
In vacuo, i.e., under space travel conditions, ions, which are atomic
carriers of electric charges, can be accelerated by electric fields and
bunched to give a single beam. The discharge velocity thus attained is
of a higher order than that of gaseous products from chemical reactions.
For this reason, very high values of specific impulse can be
produced.
The preferable ion propellant is cesium owing to its high molecular
weight and to the fact that it is easily ionized.