Solid Propellant Test Motor Scaling
Abstract
Current burning rate measurement test techniques and subscale test hardware used within the NATO community are reviewed and recommendations are made to support improved scaling and prediction of internal ballistics of a full-scale solid propellant motor. The NATO Research and Technology Organization (RTO), Advanced Vehicle Technology (AVT), Working Group (WG) 016 (formerly AGARD/PEP Working Group #27) undertook to evaluate methods used within the NATO propulsion community to measure burning rate in solid propellant rocket systems. The purpose was to identify similarities and differences among the member nations. The WG 016 sought to contribute to improvements in the burning rate tools by addressing issues that have remained unresolved in the solid propulsion industry for over 40 years: (1) Better understanding of burning rate, r(sub b)(p,To), data from various facilities to ease the comparison of propellants from various manufacturers and to improve international exchanges and cooperation. (2) Improved measurement accuracy and reliability to allow a decrease in the number of tests (and associated time and cost) and improved control of manufacturing and quality assurance and the assessment of aging. AVT WG 016 activities have identified that manufacturer burning rate data may not easily be compared without accounting for industry-wide differences in subscale devices, test methods and scaling analysis methods. The WG recommends the NATO propulsion community review these findings as a means of advancing their own burning rate measurement and analysis methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395610
Entities
People
- Ronald S. Fry