MICROSCOPIC AND MICROCHEMICAL STUDY OF AGED SOLID PROPELLANT GRAINS.
Abstract
Considerable effort was expended to acquire samples of old propellants to be studied. Propellants from 2 Hawk motors (age, 5 1/2 years) were obtained and progress was made toward getting samples of a Minuteman Wing I, first stage motor. An inventory of samples already on hand indicated a varied assortment of propellants from 3 months to 7 1/2 years in age. Model propellants were cast and cured to compare the effects of accelerated aging with normal aging. Optical investigation of Hawk and Polaris Cycling Unit propellants reveal that the concentration of reaction sites is greater at the open end. In a Minuteman Ignitor propellant subjected to accelerated aging, the concentration of aging reaction sites is the same at both the closed and the open ends. Micromanipulation of the aging sites indicated that the polymer had degraded and could be easily separated into phases. It was demonstrated that a De Fonbrune Microforge could be used to prepare a number of micro-utensils for use in this study. An electron diffraction pattern of a non-melting solid in an aging site was obtained but its interpretation was not carried out. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0802215
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Di Milo
- James L. Mcgurk
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings