THE FIBERGLASS MOTOR CASE IN THE POLARIS PROGRAM
Abstract
A comparison between the apparent practical limits of the usable tensile strength-density ratio for steels, Ti alloys, and glass-fiberreinforced plastic rocket-motor cases showed that the plastic motor case offers considerable advantages in weight and cost. Filament winding of fiberglass-reinforced motor cases produced greater simplicity and flexibility of tooling and fabrication techniques and shorter lead time than metal working. Theoretical and practical limitations on the strength of glass-reinforced materials in terms of flaws or defects are usually the result of fabrication, processing, handling, and storage. Methods for controlling these flaws are being evaluated. Failure of glass-reinforced plastic structures was partly caused by crazing and cracking of the resin binder. Shrinkage stresses in the resin were an important contributor to this process. A substantial increase in the performance of fiberglass motor cases in the near future appears possible if a study of defects and shrinkage stresses is included. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 19, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0264759
Entities
People
- Herbert J Bernstein
- J.a. Kies
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory