THE DEMONSTRATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOLID-PROPELLANT MOTOR.
Abstract
A design and test program was conducted to demonstrate the technology required for advanced high-energy, upper stage propulsion systems. The demonstration model, designated Pallas, consisted of a fiberglass rocket motor cast with a plastisol double-base beryllium propellant. Advanced analytical techniques were developed for studying the load distributions both in the case-bonded grain as a function of time and in the multi-layer shells of the motor case and insulation. The propellant and epoxy-polyamide adhesive systems were fully characterized and new grain processing techniques, involving zone curing under substantial hydrostatic pressure, were developed. Four subscale motors, representing 0.3 linear scale models, and four full-size motors (two heavywall and two flightweight) were static fired. The fourth motor fired in each series of tests burned full duration and met all test objectives. The first three fullscale motors all malfunctioned as a result of failures in the aft region of the motor case. Changing the grain configuration from a slotted-tube design to a conocyl design, and changing from a full aft dome shrinkage liner to a partial web shrinkage liner contributed most significantly to successful operation of the fullscale motor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0386105
Entities
People
- Carl W. Anderson
- Courtland N. Robinson
- James R. Macpherson
Organizations
- ARCO