Abstract: The addition polymerization resin systems phthalonitrile, diethynyldiphenyl methane, phenolic triazine, and polyphosphazene are disclosed as the matrix constituent in fiber-reinforced ablative nozzle components. Various types of fibers such as carbon fibers, preferably rayon and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based, graphite fibers, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, and silica fibers may be used in the nozzle composite materials. Fillers, such as carbon black, ground silica, ground petroleum coke, and microballoons, may also be included in the ablative nozzle components. The fiber-reinforced ablative nozzle components include from about 20% to about 40% resin, by weight, from about 45% to about 60% fiber, by weight, and when present, from about 3% to about 15% filler, by weight.

Abstract: Conductive carbon fibrils are incorporated into energetic compositions to reduce electrostatic discharge susceptibility. The carbon fibrils are grown catalytically from carbon precursors and are substantially free of pyrolytically deposited thermal carbon. The fibrils generally have a length in the range from about 1.mu. to about 10.mu. and a diameter in the range from about 3.5 nanometers to about 75 nanometers. Length to diameter aspect ratios are greater than 5, and typically in the range from about 100:1 to about 1000:1. An effective amount of fibrils is included in the energetic compositions to decrease the resistivity to a level below or on the order of about 10.sup.10 ohm-cm. In most cases, fibril concentration will be in the range from about 0.005 to about 0.1 weight percent.

Abstract: A scanning system (10) for inspecting a surface (16) including a light source (30) which generates a beam of light (32) that is reflected, scattered or causes fluorescence at the surface to be inspected. An optical interface (14) receives the beam of light and directs it along a predetermined path extending to and from the surface. An acousto-optic tunable filter (34) tuned to pass light having a wavelength corresponding to a known optical property of a predetermined material is positioned within the path of light. A detector (42) is positioned to receive light emanating from the surface and is configured to monitor the intensity of light at each predetermined wavelength being monitored and generate a corrsponding signal. The system is preferably attached to a scan board (90) thereby enabling the system to be used in scanning a surface. The system also includes a signal processor (22) which processes the signal generated by the detector. The resulting data is displayed by an output device (26).

Abstract: An energetic binder system useful for making TPE-LOVA propellants and energetic composites comprises at least one thermoplastic elastomer, at least one plasticizer, and nitrocellulose.

Abstract: A method for securing a boss to a thermoplastic liner of a pressure vessel are disclosed. A preferred method of forming the vessel includes inserting a thermoplastic projection of the liner into a mounting aperture located in the boss. The projection, which is rigidly attached to the liner, mechanically prevents rotation of the boss about a pressure chamber orifice relative to the liner. The method further includes melting and compressing the thermoplastic projection to conform it to a locking chamber in the mounting aperture. A composite case is then constructed over the thermoplastic projection, the liner, and the boss, using the liner as a mandrel. The thermoplastic liner and projection are integrally formed by blow-molding thermoplastic material into a die without any substantial use of injection-molding. A vessel constructed according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel methods for processing gas generant compositions to produce feed stock are disclosed. The methods of the present invention include utilizing a binding agent and other additives in a mixture of ingredients of gas generant compositions in sufficient quantities that the ingredients of the gas generating material will agglomerate to form granules as the ingredients are mixed. Processing methods, including roll coating, continuous mixing, static mixing, freeze drying, solvent extraction, emulsification, azeotropic distillation, spray drying, fluidized bed processing and particle grinding are also disclosed for use in preparing feed stock for final gas generant products. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful in processing gas generating materials having a non-azide based fuel.

Abstract: The use of 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetrocyclo[5.5.0.0.sup.5,9 0.sup.3,11 ]-dodecane as the major explosive ingredient in compositions useful in high performance, low sensitivity explosive applications is disclosed.

Abstract: Smoke-producing compositions are disclosed that combine the low toxicity of an organic acid smoke and the high obscuration effect of a red phosphorus (RP) smoke. Phosphoric acid produced by RP is neutralized by an acid scavenger added to at least one of the RP or organic acid smoke formulations. To prevent chemical reaction between ingredients of the two smoke-producing formulations, they are separated in the apparatus of the present invention such that only the resulting smokes mix. Very small amount of a RP smoke formulation increases the obscuration index of organic acid smokes comparable to conventional hygroscopic chloride (HC) smokes.

Abstract: A process of degrading nitramines by mixing the nitramine with an aqueous dispersion of metal powders and by heating the mixture is disclosed. HMX and RDX are typical nitramines which are degraded according to the present invention. Metal powders which have been successfully used include aluminum and zinc. The weight ratio of nitramine to metal powder is less than about 17:1. The aqueous mixture of nitramine and metal powder is preferably heated to a temperature greater than about 50.degree. C. and up to the boiling point of the mixture. Best results have been obtained when an aqueous base is used in connection with the metal powder. Aqueous ammonia and dilute hydroxide salt solutions are currently preferred aqueous base solutions.

Abstract: A composition is provided which has at least one salt of 5-nitraminotetrazole and an at least one oxidizer selected from among inorganic nitrates, inorganic nitrites, metal oxides, metal peroxides, organic peroxides, inorganic perchlorates, inorganic chlorates, metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. The compositions are useful in the gas generant field.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a path of propellant grain away from a solid rocket motor. The apparatus includes a telescoping arm connected to a rotatable body. A cutting tool having a primary and secondary cutter is connected to a distal end of the telescoping arm. The secondary cutter is disposed adjacent the primary cutter and configured to make cuts through the portion of propellant grain along the path such that the grain is cut away from the rocket motor in a plurality of pieces. The telescoping arm includes a plurality of interconnected extendable concentric cylinders configured with a plurality of ball/spring detents each bearing a resistance load for restraining one of the concentric cylinders such that the innermost unextended of said concentric cylinders extends prior to the extension of any other of said unextended concentric cylinders.

Abstract: A system for providing pitch, yaw, and roll control during the flight of a rocket-propelled vehicle combines a vectorable nozzle with jet vanes. The vectorable nozzle provides yaw and pitch control, while the jet vanes provide roll control. Anti-rotation pins extend from the vehicle housing into longitudinal slots within the vectorable nozzle to allow vectoring movements and prevent rotation of the nozzle. The jet vanes are rotatably mounted on shafts within the nozzle exit cone to receive and guide combustion products passing through the nozzle. The jet vanes may be jettisoned after an initial high-angle-of-attack maneuver is completed and the vehicle gains speed, after which roll control is provided by aerodynamic fins. The jet vanes may also be formed of material which erodes after the initial maneuver, thereby reducing the loss of thrust caused by the jet vanes.

Abstract: 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.0.sup.5,9 0.sup.3,11 ]dodecane is synthesized by reacting a diacyl-2,3,5,6-tetraoxypiperazine or tetraoxadiazaisowurtzitane derivative, a strong acid, and a nitrate source, such that an exothermic reaction occurs which proceeds at a temperature above ambient temperature. The reaction product is precipitated by cooling. It may be purified by washing with methanol and/or sodium bicarbonate and by simmering in nitric acid.

Abstract: Composite propellant formulations are disclosed having a dinitramide salt oxidizer, such as ammonium dinitramide, an energetic binder, such as poly(glycidyl nitrate), a reactive metal, such as aluminum, and other typical propellant ingredients such as curatives and stabilizers. The disclosed propellant formulations are able to combust aluminum efficiently, possess high burn rates, and produce little or no HCl exhaust gases.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric ablative insulation having low density are disclosed. The ablative insulation is based upon a thermoplastic elastomeric polymer resin containing a polyamide polymer and a maleic anhydride modified EPDM polymer. The ratio of polyamide polymer to maleic anhydride modified EPDM is in the range from about 20:80 to about 40:60. Carefully selected fillers provide suitable charring and ablative insulation performance without unduly increasing the insulation density. Typical fillers include an phosphorus containing compound, such as ammonium polyphosphate, a polyhydric alcohol present, such as pentaerythritol, silicone resin, chopped fibers, an antioxidant, a butadiene polymer, and a peroxide.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion process for manufacturing composite gun propellant is disclosed. The disclosed process is particularly suitable for preparing gun propellant formulations based upon a cellulose ester binder. In the process, the binder ingredients are dissolved in an organic solvent and then pumped directly into a twin-screw extruder. The other ingredients, except the oxidizer, may optionally be dissolved in the organic solvent prior to introduction into the twin-screw extruder. The oxidizer is dried, ground, and also fed dry to the twin-screw extruder. In the extruder, the materials are thoroughly mixed and the solvent is reduced to sufficient level for direct extrusion through the desired dies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns 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 by neutralizing an aqueous nitric acid solution (20-70% wt./wt.) with an alcohol-free aqueous hydroxylamine solution at temperatures ranging from above -50.degree. C. to substantially less than ambient (20.degree. C.) 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: Composite propellant formulations containing a novel combination of bonding agent and cure catalyst together with carefully balanced HTPB binder and isocyanate curative may be mixed, cast, and cured at ambient temperature. The NCO/OH ratio is in the range from about 0.8 to about 0.9. The propellant formulations include as typical solid ingredients an oxidizer such as ammonium perchlorate and a reactive metal fuel such as aluminum. A plasticizer may optionally be included in the propellant to improve processing and low temperature properties. The bonding agents used in the present invention include a Schiff base or a combination of Schiff base and hydroxyl or amine functionality.

Abstract: Conductive carbon fibrils are incorporated into energetic compositions to enhance the burn rate. The carbon fibrils are grown catalytically from carbon precursors and are substantially free of pyrolytically deposited thermal carbon. The fibrils generally have a length in the range from about 1.mu. to about 10.mu. and a diameter in the range from about 3.5 nanometers to about 75 nanometers. Length to diameter aspect ratios are greater than 5, and typically in the range from about 100:1 to about 1000:1. A 100% improvement in burn rate was observed in compositions containing as little as 0.1 weight percent carbon fibrils. Greater amounts of carbon fibrils (2 weight percent) have increased the burn rate 500%. In most cases, fibril concentration will be in the range from about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent, although greater amounts are possible. The burn rate may be effectively tailored by varying the amount of fibrils added to the composition.

Abstract: High reaction temperature explosive compositions which provide enhanced air blast and extended reaction times are disclosed. The explosive compositions include a separate acceptor phase and a separate explosive phase. The acceptor phase contains a halogenated polymer and a reactive metal which are capable of reacting at high temperature and pressure. The explosive phase includes a nonmetallized explosive. Suitable explosives produce a detonation pressure in excess of 200 kilobars at the Chapman-Jouget (C-J) condition.In the explosive compositions disclosed herein, at least a portion of the explosive phase surrounds the acceptor phase. In this configuration, detonation of the explosive phase exposes the acceptor phase to high temperatures and pressures which permit the metal and halogenated polymer to efficiently react and produce even greater temperatures and pressures.