Abstract: A thermal battery activated by external heat comprising an anode, e.g. cosed of a lithium-aluminum alloy, a cathode, e.g. composed of iron disulfide, and an electrolyte, e.g. a lithium chloride-potassium chloride eutectic, the electrolyte being inactive at ambient temperature but being activated by melting at a predetermined temperature when exposed to external heating. The battery can be used as a sensor or to ignite pyrotechnic and power electronic devices, in a system for reducing the hazard of ordnance exposed to detrimental heating. A particular application is the use of the battery to activate a squib to function in conjunction with one or more other components, to vent an ordnance case, preventing its explosion in a fire.

Abstract: A thermal battery activated by external heat comprising an anode, e.g. composed of a lithium-aluminum alloy, a cathode, e.g. composed of iron disulfide, and an electrolyte, e.g. a lithium chloride-potassium chloride eutectic, the electrolyte being inactive at ambient temperature but being activated by melting at a predetermined temperature when exposed to external heating. The battery can be used as a sensor or to ignite pyrotechnic and power electronic devices, in a system for reducing the hazard of ordnance exposed to detrimental heating. A particular application is the use of the battery to activate a squib to function in conjunction with one or more other components, to vent an ordnance case, preventing its explosion in a fire.

Abstract: A pyrogen igniter for small nozzle applications has a high initial output. igh initial output and long duration burning are achieved through utilization of a slow burning igniter main charge in conjunction with a booster pellet. A nozzle plate focuses and directs the output of the igniter as a gas jet while shielding the interior of the igniter from exterior temperature and pressure fluctuations which might otherwise operate to extinguish the igniter. A flush bridgewire/pressed prime igniter configuration and the elimination of loose powder in the igniter facilitates economical production and long shelf-life.

Abstract: In a rocket motor having an insulative coating on selected portions of the xterior casing, one or more ribs are used to structurally strengthen portions of the casing and to reinforce thermal stress patterns which will cause failure venting at a predetermined point of the rocket motor as a cook-off safety feature.

Abstract: Positive rocket motor pressure hull venting in the case of deck fires is vided by placement of thermite masses at spaced locations on the interior of the hull. Small cylindrical masses as well as strip formed masses are employed. The thermite mass includes a small amount of structurally formed aluminum as well as the conventional powdered aluminum.

Abstract: A bare patch in an insulating coating on a cylinder is shaped to reinforce tress patterns to cause failure at a predetermined point as a cook-off safety feature.

Abstract: An end flap construction for a rocket motor prevents hot vapors from enteg the motor void and causing motor ignition.

Abstract: An improved rocket motor has a first layer of silicone rubber and a second ayer of an ablative lining placed between the rocket motor casing and the propellant grain. The ablative lining layer contains chopped novoloid fibers 14 microns in diameter and nominally 1 mm in length interspersed throughout a polymeric composition.

Abstract: The invention describes a rocket motor having a thermal barrier around a sile casing with gaps along the side to permit initial burning on the outer portion of the grain at rupture of the casing and venting prior to burning over the inner bore to avoid explosion.

Abstract: Slurried rocket propellants and a spinning rocket motor wherein the propents have viscosities which enable them to form central cores when spun in spinning rocket motors, the motor having a diaphragm-like base plate which assists in transferring forward momentum through the propellant.