Low-Cost Insulator
Abstract
Ablative materials protect aerodynamic surfaces, propulsion structures, and ground equipment from the very high temperatures and the velocity of the gases in the exhaust. This paper describes current efforts to evaluate an ablative coating based on a low-cost polymer and a low-cost filler. The objective was to develop a low-cost, ablative/insulating material for routine application to protect costly test facilities. Experiments were conducted at the AFRPL using the standard 15-pound Ballistic Test and Evaluation System (BATES) solid propellant rocket motors containing aluminized propellants. This type of propellant produces an erosive exhaust gas which is the best condition for evaluating the ablative coating formulations. Other motors were also used for evaluation purposes, such as Peacekeeper Stages I, II, and III; Short-Length Super High Internal Pressure-Producing Orifice (HIPPO); Super BATES; and the STS-5 Space Shuttle launch. Ablative samples were tested, evaluated, and compared to commercially available ablative materials under the same conditions. It was found that the low-cost ablative/insulating materials withstood the high temperature exhaust as well as, or better than, the commercially available ablative products. Using the best candidate, the Low-Cost Insulator in the one-gallon mix, cost approximately $13.00 compared to $147.00 for the same amount of the commercially available ablative material. The AFRPL ablative material can be processed in the field for easy application and the material cures at ambient temperature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA139903
Entities
People
- E. B. Toscano