Initiation Mechanisms of Solid Rocket Propellant Detonation.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify mechanisms responsible for several accidental detonations of high-energy solid rocket propellant motors. Simple models were used to predict transient gas pressures within burning propellant cracks following arrival of a step stress wave reflected by the motor case. Stress waves are considered to be caused by the propagation of a crack into the motor chamber or other cavity containing gas at much higher pressure than that initially within the crack. Two factors were found important in creating gas pressures of similar magnitude as pressures needed to initiate secondary high explosives by impact. Namely, the generation of melt or form that can be readily gasified; and the production of stress waves that initiate accelerated burning by partially collapsing cracks. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA049531
Entities
People
- A. H. Wiedermann
- A. N. Takata
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute