A New Approach to Propellant Formulation: Minimizing Life-Cycle Costs Through Science-Based Design
Abstract
The traditional approach to developing propellants for specific gun applications relies heavily on trial and error. Candidate formulations must be made in small quantities and subjected to burning-rate measurements and small-scale vulnerability assessments. If the properties of these candidates fail to meet expectations, the process must be repeated. This approach, while historically unavoidable, is obviously inefficient in time and expense and can generate considerable waste streams associated with unsuccessful formulations. With added considerations of life-cycle costs, including environmental impact at all stages of development, use, and disposal, this traditional approach becomes increasingly unworkable. This report proposes a new approach that makes maximal use of scientific understanding embodied in models during the early phases of the propellant-development cycle. Simple simulations show that this strategy can have a significant impact on the overall costs of the development process. In analogy to the Department of Energy (DOE) program to convert the nuclear-weapon stewardship from testing-based to science-based, we term the new approach science-based design. This new approach will require concentration and leveraging of resources toward the most critical early-phase development steps; with the reality of declining resources, it may be the only credible strategy to reconcile the need for higher-performance weapons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381902
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Kotlar
- Betsy M. Rice
- Martin S. Miller
- Randall J. Cramer
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory