Chemical and Surface Characterization of TOW Missile Cases

Abstract

Six fragments from TOW missile motor case failures were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, scanning Auger microprobe, and bulk chemical composition analyses. The investigation has identified some positive evidence of corrosion cracking. The inner wall surfaces of the motor casings were corroded and many micro cracks emanating from corrosion pits and oxidized scales were observed. Chlorine was found to be a major element existing in the cracks. Aside from the mechanical strength of the steel, the failure of the motor casings might be attributed to stress corrosion cracking.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA205314

Entities

People

  • Sin-shong Lin
  • Wai K. Chin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Chemical Composition
  • Chemical Elements
  • Chemistry
  • Corrosion
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Military Research
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Spectra
  • Spectrometers
  • Spectrometry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Stress Corrosion
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems