Microstructural Modeling of Electrical Breakdown in Solid Fuel Propellants
Abstract
The subject matter in this report is an analytical treatment of microstructural aspects of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ignition of solid rocket motors. ESD hazards of the type described herein are now well known to the solid propellant industry. Since 1985, two accidents involving solid rocket motors have caused the loss of eight lives. These are now accepted to have been initiated by ESD, causing ESD to have become the leading safety hazard within the solid propellant industry; The report describes features of solid propellants that make them particularly susceptible to ESD. Primary emphasis has been placed on microstructural modeling to better understand how to mitigate these hazards by understanding the details of the hazard. Attempts have been made in this and a companion doctoral thesis to explain (among other things) effects of time (or frequency), propellant formulation, temperature, pressure, and relative humidity. This report explains, but is not intended as a final definitive explanation of, much of the experimental phenomena that is summarized herein.... Propellants, Solid fuel propellants, Electrostatic discharge ignition, Ignition, Solid rocket motors, Safety hazards, Solid propellants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA263466
Entities
People
- Fred Eriksen
- John D. Curry
- Michael Frisoni
- Paul D. Beale
- Ronal W. Larson