Air Launch Instrumented Vehicles Evaluation (ALIVE).
Abstract
Report presents results of a program conducted to evaluate the effects of air-launch missile environments on the aging characteristics of advanced HTPB propellants and representative motor designs incorporating these propellants. The study addressed aging of two 12-inch-diameter, SRBDM-type motors cast with moderate-burning-rate propellant. The propellant was characterized, service-life loads were evaluated, and the motors were analyzed and subjected to a accelerated storage and simulated captive-flight environmental testing. Carton propellant from the same batch from which the motors were cast was aged in the laboratory. Subsequently, aging characteristics of the propellant were determined from motor response and the motor design and test methods were evaluated. The motors, instrumentation, and tests are described; and test results are presented. Test results indicate: Characteristics of the propellant tested change very slowly over a period from 6 months to 5 years after cast; the grain configuration tested is structurally adequate to withstand at least 5 years of use in the tactical air-launch environment; current analytical techniques are adequate; and the ALIVE approach to accelerated service-life simulation is feasible and can be made reasonably accurate. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA037102
Entities
People
- J. D. Burton