This invention relates to a gas generator having two or more compartments, each
with a separate initiator, with one compartment discharging before another, i.e.,
the compartments discharge sequentially. Each compartment has the same propellants,
but the propellants have different geometries in each compartment, which results
in different rates of gas evolution from each compartment. The gas generator has
a rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent
stages, improving safety to occupants. One propellant used for the gas generator
comprises (1) ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, (2) a fuel such as CL-20. and (3)
a binder such as polycaprolactone. A second propellant comprises by weight approximately
70-95% energetic nitrate fuel, 5-25% energetic polymer binder and 0.1-5% flash
suppressant. No hot metal particles (e.g., CuO) are generated in the new systems.
