Abstract: Rocket propulsion or rapid response gas generation systems and methods are disclosed in which a novel one component, single tank storable, low toxicity, low detonation sensitivity liquid monopropellant containing a mixture of aqueous 70% hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and water is catalytically decomposed with an iridium based catalyst. The resulting rapidly formed gaseous decomposition products consisting substantially of carbon dioxide and water vapor are used for rocket propulsion, satellite propulsion, divert attitude control systems for interceptor missiles, and other power control systems where a re-start capability is desired.

Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low burn rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a nozzle for a rocket or other vehicle having a combustion chamber with a propellant therein in communication with the nozzle, the nozzle having a throat and a pair of bores extending into the throat The bores may be in opposed or any other suitable relation. A pair of plungers are slidably mounted in the bores and are movable between an open position wherein they are disposed outside of the throat and a closed position wherein they extend into the throat to substantially close it. The plungers have a width or diameter substantially the same as the width or diameter of the throat. Actuator devices are provided for moving the plungers independently of each other to control thrust by controlling the flow of combustion gases through the throat and the pressure in the combustion chamber. The movement of the plungers can also be used for thrust vector control.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions exhibit low autoignition temperatures. In preferred forms, the gas generant compositions include azobisformamidine dinitrate (AZODN) and a eutectic mixture (comelt) of silver nitrate and potassium nitrate. The comelt of silver nitrate and potassium nitrate is most preferably present in the formulations of the invention in an amount to achieve a low autoignition temperature of between about 140° C. (284° F.) to about 160° C. (320° F.). The compositions of the invention may include a variety of auxiliary components typically employed in conventional gas generant compositions for their intended purpose. For example, especially preferred formulations of the present invention will include a powdered metal or metal oxide as a combustion catalyst to speed the decomposition reaction and also as a combustion aid to facilitate the ignition of the primary propellant or gas generant.

Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low burn rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for a solid propellant, comprising a combustion chamber for the solid propellant, an igniter for igniting propellant in the combustion chamber, and an exhaust housing having a primary exhaust channel extending from the combustion chamber to an exit nozzle. A supplemental exhaust channel is connected to the primary exhaust channel, and a valve controls the size of the supplemental exhaust channel to selectively vary the flow of propellant gases therethrough, thereby to selectively vary the combustion chamber pressure to enable the testing of the burning characteristics of the propellant over a wide pressure range independent of the burning surface area of the propellant. In a further embodiment, an auxiliary exhaust channel closed by a burst disk is connected to the primary exhaust channel.

Abstract: A multi-level inflator for an air bag or other safety restraint device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generating portion with a first open end and a gas storage portion with a second open end. The primary gas generating portion has a primary initiator and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein, the initiator being mounted on an igniter body secured to and closing the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. A pressure vessel closure is secured to the second end of the pressure vessel, the closure having an aperture therethrough and a primary rupture disk secured thereto to close the aperture. The gas storage portion has an inert gas therein under a predetermined pressure. A secondary inflator of the all-pyrotechnic type is secured to the pressure vessel and closure at the second end thereof. The secondary inflator comprises a secondary housing having a secondary initiator and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein.

Abstract: A method of retaining composite preforms in the nature of fiber/metal matrix composites in position during processing, comprising the steps of positioning a predetermined assembly of fibers and metal matrix on a mandrel. The metal matrix may be in the form of wires, powder or foil. A retaining wire of a suitable heat resistant metal, such as titanium is spirally wound under tension over the fiber/metal matrix assembly to retain the assembly in a predetermined position on the mandrel during subsequent processing.

Abstract: A multi-level output inflator for inflating an airbag in the event of a vehicle crash, comprising a housing, a wall section disposed in the housing to define separate primary and secondary combustion chambers therein. A primary initiator and primary propellant are disposed within the primary combustion chamber, and a secondary initiator and secondary propellant are disposed with the secondary combustion chamber. The housing comprises a primary nozzle in communication with the primary combustion chamber, and a secondary nozzle in communication with the secondary combustion chamber. The primary and secondary initiators may be fired separately, simultaneously, or in a timed sequence to inflate the air bag at different rates and levels depending on the nature of the vehicle crash. A method of assembling the components of the inflator is also described and covered.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generant composition includes a high oxygen balance compound or fuel, preferably, azodiformamidine dinitrate, which is the resulting reaction product of an aminoguanidine salt and nitric acid. Specifically, the high oxygen balance compound or fuel of the present invention is the resulting reaction product of aminoguanidine salts, such as aminoguanidine nitrate, aminoguanidine bicarbonate, or aminoguanidine sulfate with nitric acid. Preferably, the aminoguanidine salt is aminoguanidine bicarbonate. The resulting reaction product is a yellow precipitate that can be used alone, with or without oxidizers or other additives, for very rapid self-deflagration or in combination with oxidizers and additives. In each instance, the gas generant composition provides both high gas output and low production of solid combustion products. Further, the precipitant is relatively non-hygroscopic and has a high burn rate.

Abstract: A supercavitating underwater projectile adapted to be fired from a gun or the like, comprising a front end or nose portion and a rear end portion. An auxiliary rocket motor is disposed within the rear end portion of the projectile for providing additional thrust after the projectile has been fired. Vents are disposed within the projectile and are in communication with the rocket motor and the exterior of the projectile for venting some of the combustion gases from the rocket motor to the exterior of the projectile near the nose portion thereof to increase the size of the cavitation bubble formed as the projectile travels through the water and thereby reduce hydrodynamic drag on the projectile.

Abstract: Liquid monopropellants for passive vehicle restraint systems (e.g., air bags) include an aqueous solution of a water-soluble oxidizer and a water-soluble organic fuel miscible with the oxidizer. The oxidizer is most preferably ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid, while the fuel is a lower alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or glycerol. The liquid monopropellants will advantageously have an oxidation ratio (OR) of greater than about 0.90.

Abstract: An underwater explosive device, comprising a first container containing an explosive suitable for underwater use, and a second container surrounding the first container and containing oxygen gas under a pressure sufficient to enhance the underwater explosive reaction of the explosive.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting an occupant of a building from flying debris from a frangible structure such as a window or the like, in the event of an explosion or other blast. The apparatus comprises a protective louver system disposed adjacent the building structure. The louver system comprises a plurality of louvers that are movable from an open position to a closed position wherein they form a protective barrier covering the building structure. A louver closing device is operatively connected to the louvers and is operable to move them to the closed position in the event of an explosion or other blast. The louvers are provided with locking portions so that they are interlocked when in the closed position and displaced inwardly by an explosion or other blast. Reinforcing cables may be positioned adjacent the inner surface of the louver system to support the louvers in the closed position when they are displaced inwardly by the explosion or other blast.

Abstract: An improved thermally stable, storage stable gas generating composition characterized by both an increased burning rate and a decreased pressure exponent for producing a clean, nontoxic, substantially ash- and solids-free gas for inflating inflatable structures such as vehicle airbags is provided. Optimum combustion efficiencies and operating pressures are achieved in the improved gas generating composition by adding an effective amount of a copper or copper compound catalyst to a gas generating composition that is preferably a eutectic mixture or solid solution of ammonium nitrate, at least one highly oxygenated fuel, potassium or cesium perchlorate or nitrate and an optional binder.

Abstract: Solid gas generant compositions produce low particulates (e.g., condensed ash) when ignited. The solid gas generant compositions most preferably include a nitramine, at least one oxidizer selected from nitrates of strontium or cerium, in admixture with or without potassium perchlorate, and a binder. Graphite may optionally be employed. The gas generant compositions are usefully employed in inflatable vehicle occupant passive restraint systems (e.g., air bag systems).

Abstract: A rocket nozzle having an inlet, a middle region, a throat and an outlet, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet to the throat is about 1.1. The middle region preferably has a shape which rises to an apex. Such a configuration places particles resulting from combustion on a trajectory which misses the wall of the nozzle at the throat or choke point, thereby decreasing throat erosion/ablation.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generant composition includes a high oxygen balance compound or fuel, preferably, azodiformamidine dinitrate, which is the resulting reaction product of an aminoguanidine salt and nitric acid. Specifically, the high oxygen balance compound or fuel of the present invention is the resulting reaction product of aminoguanidine salts, such as aminoguanidine nitrate, aminoguanidine bicarbonate, or aminoguanidine sulfate with nitric acid. Preferably, the aminoguanidine salt is aminoguanidine bicarbonate. The resulting reaction product is a yellow precipitate that can be used alone, with or without oxidizers or other additives, for very rapid self-deflagration or in combination with oxidizers and additives. In each instance, the gas generant composition provides both high gas output and low production of solid combustion products. Further, the precipitant is relatively non-hygroscopic and has a high burn rate.

Abstract: Liquid monopropellants for passive vehicle restraint systems (e.g., air bags) include an aqueous solution of a water-soluble oxidizer and a water-soluble organic fuel miscible with the oxidizer. The oxidizer is most preferably ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid, while the fuel is a lower alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or glycerol. The liquid monopropellants will advantageously have an oxidation ratio (OR) of greater than about 0.90.

Abstract: Solid pyrotechnic gas generant compositions and monopropellants are provided for use in inflators of automotive air bag restraint systems which, when combusted, produce acceptable burning rates, generate a high concentration of substantially innocuous gases, and a low concentration of substantially water insoluble non-toxic solid combustion products which limits the potential for asthmatic and pulmonary conditions. The propellant compositions provided are based on metal salts of lanthanide and rare earth elements, particularly lanthanide or rare earth nitrate salts and lanthanide or rare earth complexes with nitrogen-containing cations and nitrate anions. Scandium and cerium are preferred lanthanide and rare earth elements for these compositions.