The Behavior of Range Safety System Ordnance for the Space Shuttle with Simulated Aerodynamic Heating

Abstract

Autoignition and performance tests simulating reentry temperature conditions were completed using the RSS ordnance in a simulated flight configuration. Temperature measurements were made at several locations within the RSS to provide data for thermal model correlation. Autoignition resulted in detonation and functioning of the RSS with destruction (cutting) of the simulated External Tank wall in five tests. In six tests, thermal explosions resulted with no cutting action. Autoignition of HMX in the linear shaped charge configuration occurred at approx. 470 deg F compared to the reported value of 585 deg F for the bulk explosive. Autoignition of the complete RSS (CDF-LSC assembly) occurred in the range of 390 deg-450 deg F. It appears that autoignition of the PETN tip at the end of the CDF is not a factor in the transfer of explosion or detonation to the linear shaped charge, and HNS in the CDF is safe to approx. 1000 deg F.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 20, 1981
Accession Number
ADA110531

Entities

People

  • E. Zimet
  • N. L. Coleburn

Organizations

  • Naval Ordnance Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Heating
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Detonations
  • Explosions
  • Explosive Trains
  • Explosives
  • Fuzes (Ordnance)
  • Ignition
  • Insulation
  • Performance Tests
  • Petn
  • Range Safety
  • Shaped Charges
  • Space Flight
  • Space Shuttles
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster