Abstract: A sodium-azide-free gas-generating composition includes an oxidizable borohydride fuel and an oxidizing agent containing oxygen and a metal. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is produced upon reaction between the borohydride fuel and the oxidizing agent. Suitable oxidizing agents contain a metal and oxygen and are selected from a metal oxide, a metal oxide hydrate, a metal oxide hydroxide, a metal hydrous oxide, a metal hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The fuel and oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is the major gaseous combustion product.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for stage separation and thrust termination in a multi-stage missile having an upper stage detachably connected to a lower stage rocket motor. The apparatus includes a piston located at the forward end of the lower stage rocket motor in fluid communication with the motor's combustion chamber. The piston is configured with a plurality of venting passages, and capable of deployment from a stowed position, in which the venting passages are sealed, to an extended position, in which the venting passages are unsealed. The venting passages are preferably configured to vent the combustion chamber at an angle to the upper stage, providing the lower stage rocket motor with a component of thrust away from the upper stage after detachment without damaging the upper stage. In a preferred embodiment, means for detaching the upper stage includes attachment bolts connecting the stages and explosive detachment charges configured to shear the bolts.

Abstract: A control system for use in missiles and other projectiles which provides pitch, yaw and roll control. The control system includes two opposing pairs of flaps configured in the aft end of the missile case. Each flap is attached for rotation about its leading edge. Prior to actuation, the flaps conform to the exterior surface of the missile. Upon actuation, the flaps extend into the airstream to induce aerodynamic forces. The axis of rotation of each flap is positioned at an oblique angle to the radial plane of the missile.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing the storage life of a propellant grain by reducing the rate of decomposition of its nitrate ester components. A nitrate ester stabilizer is placed in a layer adjacent to a nonburning surface of the propellant grain. The stabilizer migrates from the layer into the grain's nonburning surface to provide additional stabilization for the entire grain, especially portions of the grain adjacent to the protected nonburning surface.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric ablative insulation having good mechanical properties at extremely low temperatures are disclosed. The insulation is based upon a polyamide-ether resin and includes carefully selected fillers to possess good low temperature mechanical properties and still provide suitable charring and ablative insulation performance at low temperatures (-65.degree. F.). A typical insulation within the scope of the present invention includes a polyamide-ether thermoplastic elastomeric polymer resin, an inorganic phosphorus containing compound, such as ammonium polyphosphate, present in the insulation from about 5 to about 60 phr, and a polyhydric alcohol present, such as pentaerythritol, in the insulation from about 1 to about 30 phr. The insulation compositions within the scope of the present invention optionally include silicone resin present in the insulation in range from about 0 to 15 phr. Chopped fiber filler may also be present in the insulation in range from about 0 to 100 phr.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a multiple stylus probe attachment capable of attachment to a probing mechanism mounted to a turret tool station of a numerically controlled lathe for use in probing various surfaces of a workpiece. The probe attachment includes a base configured for attachment to the probing mechanism along a longitudinal axis of the probing mechanism. The probe attachment further includes a first stylus attached to the base with the distal end of the first stylus extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probing mechanism. A second stylus is attached to the base with its distal end extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the probing mechanism. After the probe attachment is secured to the probing mechanism, the probe is calibrated by calibrating both styli. The probe may then be utilized to measure various surfaces of a workpiece while positioned in the workpiece holder of the lathe.

Abstract: A rocket motor or other gas generator the case of which is ventable at a predetermined temperature substantially greater than the ambient temperature range for storage and operation thereof and substantially less than the auto-ignition temperature of gas generant material contained therein so as to prevent catastrophic propulsion or burst in case of fire. In order to provide such venting without requiring any shaped charges or other auxiliary system for that purpose at all, the case is composed of a matrix-impregnated fibrous material wherein the fibrous material is characterized by having a melting point which is substantially higher than the ambient temperature range and which is substantially lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the gas generant material. The matrix material is preferably actinic radiation-curable at a temperature which is substantially lower than the melting point temperature of the fibrous material.

Abstract: A propellant system is disclosed which includes a propellant applied to at least one surface of a substrate which is in the form of a strip. The propellant strip is adhesively attached to itself in a configuration which conceals propellant within the configuration and which allows the attached strip to peel away from itself under applied forces thereby resulting in smooth and continuous exposure of propellant for burning. The system is directed to use with ejectable projectiles which are slidably disposed within a canister or casing. The propellant system is interconnected between the projectile and the canister which houses the projectile. The propellant is urged to peel, and thus expose propellant for burning, as the projectile is ejected from the canister.

Abstract: A composite structure for rocket motors includes a longitudinal element of the composite structure, which is an assembly of segments of clamshell or barrel stave form. The element is held in place by a circumferential element, which is a composite overwrap of reinforcing fibers in a resin matrix. The matrix may be thermoplastic or thermosetting. The reinforcing fiber being high strength polyolefin thereby providing the rocket motor with insensitive munitions capability.

Abstract: A heat sensitive case/nozzle interface is provided for an insensitive propellant-loaded munition such that the interface loses its structural integrity when high external heat is applied. The joint between a rocket case housing a rocket motor and nozzle forming the interface is received by an internal spring retainer positioned in a first groove in the case or nozzle in cooperation with a fusible material housed in an aligned second groove in the nozzle or case, respectively. A plurality of aligned openings extend into said first and second grooves. When the rocket is exposed to a high ambient temperature greater than melt temperature of the fusible material but lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the rocket, the fusible material melts and is forced through said holes by the spring retainer permitting the nozzle to separate from the case rendering the rocket motor safe if it auto-ignites.

Abstract: Ammonium nitrate is phase-stabilized against Phase IV.rarw..fwdarw.Phase III transition and the undesired volume changes associated with that phase change by including an effective amount of at least one metal dinitramide salt having the formula MX.sub.n wherein M is a metal cation, X is a dinitramide anion, and n is 1, 2 or 3. The phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate is useful in energetic applications such as solid propellants and explosives.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for making energetic oxidizer salts and solutions thereof, and in particular relates to processes for making aqueous solutions of hydroxylammonium nitrate in high purity suitable for use in making liquid gun propellants. The present alcohol-free process yields high purity alcohol-free hydroxylammonium nitrate in a simple chemical neutralization reaction by combining an aqueous nitric acid solution 120 to 70 wt. %) with an alcohol-free aqueous hydroxylamine solution at temperatures ranging from about -50.degree. C. to above ambient to produce the desired alcohol-free aqueous hydroxylammonium nitrate solution in a usable concentration and in high purity. The process is economical, environmentally acceptable, and facile.

Abstract: Isotactic poly(glycidyl nitrate) useful in solid propellants is produced by polymerizing chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer, (S) glycidyl nitrate. Chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer is prepared by sequential treatment of chiral (S) glycidyl tosylate or its enantiomer with nitric acid and sodium hydroxide. Chiral (S) glycidyl tosylate or its enantiomer, (R) glycidyl tosylate, can be produced by Sharpless epoxidation of allyl alcohol or by direct tosylation or commercially available chiral glycidol. Likewise, chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer, (S) glycidyl nitrate, can be prepared directly via nitration of (S) or (R) glycidol, respectively.

Abstract: Propellant compositions have an elastomeric binder formed by curing a hydroxyl-terminated polyether or polyester prepolymer with cis-,cis-1,3,5-tri(isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane. The propellant compositions also include high-energy particulates and high-energy plasticizers. The use of cis-cis-1,3,5-tri(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane increases the energy of the propellant per binder weight and in several cases substantially improves the mechanical characteristics of the propellant composition.

Abstract: This invention is for new compounds, namely, diethanolammoniummethylcubane nitrates, a composition of diethanolammonium methylcubyl nitrates - hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) solutions and their method of use as aqueous liquid gun propellant ingredients.

Abstract: The invention is a propellant rocket motor case designed to meet insensitive munitions requirements comprising a propellant surrounded by a case having slots therein, and a wrapping around the case, the wrapping comprising a load bearing material which can withstand the hoop load on the case during normal firing of said rocket, the material also having the characteristic of losing strength or melting at undesired temperatures above normal storage temperatures, but below the autoignition temperature of said propellant, so that during undesired high storage temperatures the propellant will exhaust any subsequently generated gases, due to any subsequent propellant burning, by venting through said slots thereby avoiding any explosion or undesired operative one-way thrust.

Abstract: High performance solid propellant compositions producing halogen-free exhaust products comprised of Ammonium Nitrate and powdered magnesium and optionally containing polyoxypropylene glycol as a binder.

Abstract: Solid propellants in which the oxidizer is a perchlorate are improved by the inclusion of diaminoglyoxime or diaminofurazan in the propellant compositions.

Abstract: A process and equipment for making seamless composite tubes. Composite material is applied on a mandrel which includes an inflatable bladder and inserted in a single piece mold. The bladder is pressurized for pressing the composite material against the mold wall for molding and curing thereof. In order to prevent seizing of the tube by the mold and thus allow easy removal of the cured tube, the mold is composed of a composite of resin impregnated carbon fiber material wherein the carbon fiber material has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion along the length thereof and is oriented at an angle of between about 15 and 40 degrees relative to a radial plane of the mold. In order to eliminate the use of inefficient and inconvenient cure ovens, a heat generating element is disposed internally of the mandrel for curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motors, and gas generators for automobile air bags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.