Abstract: Cyclic ethers having 4 and 5 member rings are polymerized with a alcohol initiator and an acid catalyst. The acid catalyst is used at a molar ratio relative to hydroxyl groups of the alcohol initiator of between about 0.05:1 and about 0.5:1.

Abstract: For providing controllable thrust reversal or thrust termination of a rocket motor, a U-band retaining the nozzle assembly to the motor case is broken. This allows the internal motor pressure to move the nozzle assembly backward from the motor case to create a circumferential opening therebetween, through which opening gases can be expelled outward and/or in the forward direction to terminate or reverse the thrust. When the U-band is broken, the high internal motor pressure may exert such a high force on the nozzle assembly as it is moved backward that the bolts or other means attaching the nozzle assembly to the rest of the missile may be broken and cause uneven gas expulstion. Uneven gas expulsion may cause undesirable changes in trajectory. By the use of honeycomb structures in association with the bolts or other attachment means, the energy exerted on the nozzle assembly is gradually absorbed, preventing breakage of the connecting parts.

Abstract: A composite propellant composition consisting essentially of ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxy-terminated polybutadiene binder, ammonium sulfate as a cooling agent, and a small proporation of at least one copper compound which functions as a ballistic modifier to lower the pressure exponent of the propellant over a useful pressure range for combustion of the propellant in a gas generator or other device. The copper compounds also lower the .pi..sub.k value of the composition, particularly at pressures exceeding 3000 psi (about 2000 N/cm.sup.2). Specifically exemplified copper compounds are copper chromite, copper phthalocyanine, and copper stearate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thin film formation from which structures may be constructed for use in space. An elastic expandable torus is rolled upon itself about its circular axis as a bubble is formed so that the bubble attachment line may be repositioned to maintain an optimal ratio of attachment diameter to bubble diameter and to maintain an appropriate bubble contact angle and to provide a pre-wetted surface for the bubble at the bubble attachment line. Also included is a frame composed of memory metal which is compacted for immersion in thin film forming fluid and heated to its transition temperature for self erecting to a predetermined thin film shape whereby the need for pressurized gas for formation of the thin film is eliminated.

Abstract: ABA triblock and A.sub.n B star polymers are produced by sequential cationic polymerization of 4 and 5 member ring cyclic ethers to initially form a B block and subsequent cationic polymerization of 4 and 5 member ring cyclic ethers to form A blocks at the termini of the B block. The B block is grown from the hydroxyl groups of a polyol having two or more hydroxyl groups, resulting in a B block having terminal hydroxyl functionality of two or greater. In growing each of the B and A blocks, the acid catalyst is used at a molar ratio relative to hydroxyl groups of the polyol initiator of between about 0.05:1 and about 0.5:1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composite component. For making a non-cylindrical composite component such as a nozzle, a longitudinal winding of at least one fiber strand impregnated with resin is applied onto a generally cylindrical mandrel at a predetermined angle relative to a line parallel to the mandrel rotational axis. A transverse tape is then spirally cut from the layer and wound onto a component mandrel. The wound transverse tape is then compacted and cured and the mandrel removed. A nozzle exit cone is also disclosed made from such transverse tape so that the fiber strand portions are short enough that they do not follow the curvature of the nozzle and thereby peel. The windings are shingled onto the nozzle exit cone so that only one end of each of the fiber strand portions is exposed to the nozzle surface. The fiber strand portions are oriented at a predetermined angle which may be optimized for erosion resistance and stress requirements.

Abstract: Propellant containing an oxidizer, a binder, and 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol as a plasticizer.

Abstract: Recovery of sulfuric and nitric acids from spent acid streams in a process for producing beta HMX in which hexamine, ammonia and acetic anhydride are reacted to produce DAPT, the DAPT is treated with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids to produce DADN which is then nitrolyzed with N.sub.2 O.sub.5 and anhydrous nitric acid to produce a HMX solution which is added to a dispersion of beta HMX seed crystals in water to selectively precipitate beta HMX from the HMX solution is accomplished by maintaining the DAPT/DADN spent acid stream separate from the HMX spent acid stream and treating the DAPT/DADN spent acid stream in a sulfuric acid recovery unit and treating the HMX spent acid stream in a magnesium nitrate nitric acid recovery unit.

Abstract: Improved composition, curable to form a rocket engine liner. The uncured liner composition has a long pot life and cures rapidly.The composition comprises a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene prepolymer; a diisocyanate curing agent for forming urethane linkages with said prepolymer; a trifunctional aziridine bond promoter; a filler; and a curing catalyst comprising maleic anhydride, magnesium oxide, and triphenyl bismuth.

Abstract: The acceptor charge is initiated from the side and the donor charge is contained in a full circle swivel assembly. This allows the initiator to be used where little head clearance is available and use, also, of the initiator to transmit a shock wave through a solid barrier or bulkhead to a relatively movable body.

Abstract: A method of developing a positive photoresist layer which has been image-wise-exposed comprising contacting the layer with an alkaline developing composition to remove exposed areas of the layer, the developing composition comprising a solution containing a cyclic quaternary ammonium hydroxide developing agent in a sufficient concentration to remove exposed areas of the layer. The present invention also includes a developing composition for use in the method.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition suitable for use as a rocket motor case insulation is disclosed. The composition comprises a vulcanizable elastomeric material and reinforcing polybenzimidazole polymer fibers in combination with a powder filler. A preferred embodiment utilizes polyisoprene as the elastomer and silica as the powder filler. These compositions have better erosion resistance than asbestos-reinforced compositions, and do not pose the environmental or safety risks associated with asbestos-reinforced insulation.

Abstract: Conventional cannon and tank cannon frequently incorporate a muzzle brake device in order to reduce weapon recoil. Recently tank cannon have acquired the need to eject and disperse infrared (IR) signature masking aerosols, even when the weapon is muzzle brake equipped. The incorporation of an aerosol dispersal feature into a cannon is accomplished by the addition of metallic vortex generators, comprising blades or teeth that extend into the blast stream, to the muzzle brake.

Abstract: A closed urethane cylindrical case includes a mounting base or foot which runs parallel to the axis of the case and is bonded to the surface of the propellant grain of a full head-end-web rocket motor. Contained within the case are one or more spaced tube initiators and concentrically positioned discs or webs of high energy propellant. Flaming gases resulting from actuation of the tube initiators and consequent burning of the propellant wafers are projected over the surface of the rocket motor propellant from a plurality of nozzle ports that are provided in the cylindrical case, in the quadrants thereof adjacent the surface of the rocket motor propellant. Cylindrical case length and the number of tube initiators and propellant wafers including their spacing can be selected as required to achieve a desired mass flow rate.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming with a minimum of labor, by explosive forming means, an automatically extendible auxiliary nozzle member or exit cone for a rocket motor, the member having tapered sinusoidal flutes with the stresses and thicknesses thereof being uniform whereby, when deployed, the resulting form of cone can be predicted with accuracy, and stresses being created such as to build a spring bias therein so that the member is bistable, that is, stable in both the stowed position and in the deployed position.

Abstract: Resin evenly applied to the surface of rotatable drive roller applicator is worked into the fibers of a band of fibrous material one ply thick by fiber tension, without abrasion. Resin is pumped to the roller applicator by a piston and cylinder pump at a rate controlled by the rate of rotation of the applicator roller and thereby in accordance with the rate at which the fibrous band is pulled from the surface of the roller.

Abstract: Non-hazardous, highly soluble hydroxylammonium salt solutions are disclosed. These solutions have utility as liquid oxidizers in solid/liquid hybrid rocket motors.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator for deploying flexible bodies and the like is disclosed. The actuator is a plurality of telescoping tubes made of high temperature resistant graphite material which are extended by the pressure of gases produced internally by a gas generator contained within the innermost tube. The extended tubes are locked in position automatically and venting of the gases from the tube interior is provided for simultaneously with full and locked extension of the tubes.

Abstract: A braided preform fabrication for annular refractory articles such as an integral monolithic throat section and exit cone of a rocket motor nozzle is formed on a mandrel and includes closely spaced radially oriented carbon rods that extend to a uniform length from the mandrel surface and carbon fibers braided on the surface of the mandrel around the carbon rods in a triaxial braid whereby the fabrication has a 4-D fiber architecture. The density of the fabrication is increased by a process that is repeated four times and involves the steps of vacuum impregnation thereof with pitch, subjecting the impregnated preform to high pressure at a temperature that is gradually increased to about 700.degree. C. to convert the pitch to coke and to form the braided preform and mandrel into a billet, and producing graphitization of the braided preform by subjecting the billet to an argon atmosphere in a vacuum furnace at a temperature that is gradually increased to 2,500.degree. C.

Abstract: An inertia type friction initiator for rotating projectiles includes a metallic mass, retained by a shear pin and joined to one end of a metal twisted or braided wire or cable, that is set in motion upon impact of the containing projectile with a resistant media, the target. Friction of the cable with a friction primer mixture sets off the mixture. The mixture activates a booster explosive that, in turn, detonates to produce a blase wave which explodes the main charge of high explosive of the projectile. A keeper-washer/sleeve system connected to the cable prevents premature activation by projectile rotational acceleration on the flight axis. The other end of the cable is embedded in the friction primer mixture at an angle of 90 degrees to the central or flight axis. Minor on-axis impacts that may tend to occur during storage, handling, shipment and loading are precluded from causing initiator actuation by proper selection of the shear pin.